The Difference Between 3G Mobile Internet and WiFi Wireless Networks

I’ve noticed that quite a few people are confused by wireless internet media, more specifically 3G and WiFi. Every time I try and explain it, I end up drawing a rough sketch outlining the differences. Here’s a neat diagram showing the difference between the two:

Difference Between 3G Mobile Broadband and WiFi Wireless Network

Notes:

  • While some Internet Service Providers offer both 3G and WiFi internet, they usually consider them separate services and require separate subscriptions.
  • 3G is almost always more expensive than WiFi connected to a fixed service, so when WiFi is available – use it!
  • Most 3G Service Providers offer a USB modem with their subscription services at a cost.
  • 3G can be quite fast, but is in most cases worse than WiFi.
  • Other wireless technologies also exist. See how WiMax works.

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17 Responses to “The Difference Between 3G Mobile Internet and WiFi Wireless Networks”

  1. Margaret Campbell Says:

    Thanks for that Tim, it will help when looking for a new provider in the UK, we will need to know which services are “free”, Philip & Jane had free calls to the UK from OZ at any time, that would be good for us. Cheers Nanna

  2. Daily Summary March 3rd « Tim Cinel Says:

    [...] Posted The Difference Between 3G Mobile Internet and WiFi Wireless Networks. [...]

  3. Interesting Reading #430 – Don’t hit F1, $8 eyeglasses, weird science, digital billboards and much more… – The Blogs at HowStuffWorks Says:

    [...] The Difference Between 3G Mobile Internet and WiFi Wireless Networks – “I’ve noticed that quite a few people are confused by wireless internet media, more specifically 3G and WiFi. Every time I try and explain it, I end up drawing a rough sketch outlining the differences. Here’s a neat diagram showing the difference between the two…” [...]

  4. anil thakare Says:

    hiiiiiiiii respected sir,,,,,,
    i m very happy to say this info abt 3g ,,,i satisfied it …nn also i neeed it whole seminar topic

  5. Purenjohn Says:

    Hi, Thanks for that valuable information. But i would like to have detail information. So plz send me the difference between 3G mobile internet and WiFi mobile internet and advantages. Plz reply to :purenjohn@yahoo.co.in OR purenjohn@yahoo.in. Thanking you with anticipation.

  6. CM Says:

    Thanks for the explanation. Does that mean 3G connection is what we subscribed to our mobile network and the more time we spent on the internet and more data downloaded, the more we have to pay. And free Wi-Fi is free no matter how long we use it?

    Thanks heaps,
    CM

  7. salil Says:

    Thank you sir,your article helped me a lot.i just want more information and technical issues regarding 3G and wi fi.please mail me

  8. Bigglen2 Says:

    i am not very techinal but i could understand your very infomative article thank you

  9. Poppo Says:

    I love your diagrams! Much easire to understand! Thanks!

  10. Jazz Says:

    Why do we need wifi if we have access to internet through 3g

  11. John Witmer Says:

    The distinction, as far as I’m concerned, is important in choosing between a Kindle reading device (which uses wifi) and a Kindle DX (which uses wireless).
    Does the lack of wifi service on a DX reduce that value of that device?

  12. Rajesh J Says:

    Thank you very much. It was simple and straight forward

  13. Akhil Singhal Says:

    hello sir, thank u so much for this valuable information…
    Still hv a littele bit doubt. why margret chembell in her march 3rd, 2010 reply said about free services??? Free means what?? Are these wifi services are cheeper than 3g etc, or what?? Hope u would do the needfull.. tk cr

  14. Pk Says:

    Thanks a bunch! Really well explained, and in such an uncomplicated manner too. Good job! :)

  15. JP Says:

    I was just looking at upgrading my phone and the contract I’m looking at says 500MB mobile internet and unlimited wifi meaning if I’m using my phone hooked up to my home network it’s not using the 500MB. Thanks for clearing it up.

  16. Vivek Patil Says:

    how to know the good wifi signal strength in the mobile because as compare to laptop wifi it has strong signal recieving strength.

  17. Hunter R. Says:

    What are advantages and disadvantages for 3g vs. WiFi? which laptop 3g or WiFi is better? How long does the 100MB of free service per month last? Where do i go/ who do i contact for more time?

    I would really appreciate this info to help me decide which version to purchase.
    Thanks!


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