How does Internet access without wifi work?

[bildio]

I'm planning to purchase an iPhone assuming that I can connect to the internet when there is no wifi connectivity. Is this a correct assumption? If so, is connectivity seamless to the user (me)?

 

[HarrisonB]

Ya it connects through the 3g cell network. That is what that 30 dollar a month data charge Is all about.

 

[notjustgc]

As long as you've got the data plan, yes. In fact, that's the point. Do it!

 

[nabechu]

as long as you get edge or 3g signal on your phone, you can get online.

 

[Luigi239]

You are correct, the experience is seamless.

Your iPhone will automatically connect (or ask to connect) to any wifi connections that are in range. If one is not available, then it will switch over to 3G or EDGE. 3G is pretty fast in Charlotte, NC where I live, so fast that the difference between 3G and wifi is pretty small if I have good reception.

 

[-aggie-]

The only thing wi-fi does for you is that it is faster and uses less battery power. When I'm 3G it really sucks the batter down, so I normally run on Edge and shift to 3G if I want pages to load faster. The 3GS might be better at running on the 3G network, since it also has a better battery, but I only have the 3G.

 

[jcheels1]

Wifi Trouble

How do I get the wifi on my iphone to work? I am sitting next to the router and it cannot load at all!! Does 3g have to be turned on with wifi to make it work?

I don't have good cell coverage (usually 2 bars on the EDGE network) so I would like to use my home wifi to get on the internet but its painfully slow or doesn't work at all.

What do i do?

 

[PNutts]

How do I get the wifi on my iphone to work? I am sitting next to the router and it cannot load at all!! Does 3g have to be turned on with wifi to make it work?

I don't have good cell coverage (usually 2 bars on the EDGE network) so I would like to use my home wifi to get on the internet but its painfully slow or doesn't work at all.

What do i do?

3G does not have to be turned on, only wifi.

Do you need to enter credentials to join the wifi network?

 

[jcheels1]

No i don't have to enter any credentials to access the home network. Wireless works fine on my laptop. Why does it not work on the iPhone? Do I have to change a setting anywhere?

 

[Ntombi]

Settings>wifi>on

There should then be a dropdown list of networks it detects. You can choose your network and enter the password if needed. (BTW, you should really have your network password protected, at the least)

 

[jcheels1]

Ive turned wifi on. It just doesn't load websites at all. Its slower than a single bar on the EDGE network and always times out. Whats wrong?