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:
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.
Tags: 3g, difference, explained, howto, Internet, laptop, mobile internet, next g, wifi, wireless, wireless broadband, wireless internet
March 3rd, 2010 at 11:09 am
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
March 3rd, 2010 at 10:02 pm
[...] Posted The Difference Between 3G Mobile Internet and WiFi Wireless Networks. [...]
March 4th, 2010 at 3:22 am
[...] 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…” [...]
July 4th, 2010 at 4:39 pm
hiiiiiiiii respected sir,,,,,,
i m very happy to say this info abt 3g ,,,i satisfied it …nn also i neeed it whole seminar topic
July 29th, 2010 at 12:49 pm
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.
November 16th, 2010 at 6:13 pm
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
December 23rd, 2010 at 2:02 am
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
January 10th, 2011 at 9:35 pm
i am not very techinal but i could understand your very infomative article thank you
January 23rd, 2011 at 4:46 am
I love your diagrams! Much easire to understand! Thanks!
January 28th, 2011 at 3:04 pm
Why do we need wifi if we have access to internet through 3g
January 28th, 2011 at 3:42 pm
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?
February 2nd, 2011 at 12:05 am
Thank you very much. It was simple and straight forward
April 27th, 2011 at 8:07 am
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
May 6th, 2011 at 6:28 pm
Thanks a bunch! Really well explained, and in such an uncomplicated manner too. Good job!
June 29th, 2011 at 9:36 pm
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.
July 3rd, 2011 at 9:19 am
how to know the good wifi signal strength in the mobile because as compare to laptop wifi it has strong signal recieving strength.
July 12th, 2011 at 4:27 am
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!