What’s the Difference between Wi-Fi Data and Cellular Data?

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Wi-Fi Data

Without the internet, we really do not know what we might do with our time. We practically depend on the internet for almost every activity these days. Be it booking an Uber, ordering our favorite food, completing an assignment, working on a project, talking to friends and family, playing games, or watching a movie – you name it! This is why a high-speed internet connection has become a necessity of our lives. To enjoy peace of mind, we need a reliable internet connection at a reasonable rate, which is no longer difficult with the budget-friendly Cox internet prices and plans available around you. When speaking of internet access, we come across two familiar terms, which are cellular data and Wi-Fi data. Though we usually use both in the same sense more or less, there are technical differences. So, let us have a closer look at these differences between cellular data and Wi-Fi:

Cellular Data

As depicted by the name, cellular data is provided by mobile carriers like Verizon, T-Mobile, AT&T, and others. Cellular data basically allows you to connect through cell phone signals to the internet. Users purchase mobile data from mobile carriers and many mobile data providers offer unlimited cellular data plans. At times, when you are home and your Wi-Fi signals get weak or you are outside and don’t want to access the unsafe public Wi-Fi networks, cellular data is your savior. 

You get to access good speed wireless internet that does not need a router. It also comes with better privacy and protection. Another added advantage of cellular data is that the range is often limitless, so you can access it almost anywhere. Mobile carriers have good coverage, so you are likely to enjoy a smooth cellular internet even if you are located in a rural or remote area where there is little to no cable internet coverage. 

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However, unlike Wi-Fi internet, cellular internet is only meant for your mobiles. Local plans are usually cost-effective but international data plans can be expensive. Despite the unlimited mobile data plans, you usually have to keep a track of the data you are using, or else you will end up losing all your mobile credit. To enjoy seamless internet connectivity, your mobile must be within the range of a cell phone tower. 

Wi-Fi Internet

Wi-Fi allows you to connect wirelessly to the internet through a router. It is very convenient as you can connect multiple devices simultaneously. Many cable internet providers offer wireless internet services including Cox, Spectrum, Xfinity, and others. You can also access the public Wi-Fi hotpots to stay connected even when you are outside your house. Wi-Fi technology offers faster internet connectivity and is usually secure. As compared to cellular data, Wi-Fi internet might prove to be cheaper and can also help you save a good amount of money if you are traveling internationally. When it comes to speed, Wi-Fi internet is faster as compared to cellular internet. 

However, you do require a router for accessing the Wi-Fi network. It also has a limited range since you have to be near the router. There are slightly higher privacy risks when using Wi-Fi networks, especially public hotspots. Nevertheless, Wi-Fi internet does allow you more freedom and convenience when it comes to enjoying faster internet access on not just your mobiles, but on multiple internet-enabled devices at the same time. 

Why Care if it is Wi-Fi or Cellular Internet?

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Though the mode is different, both Wi-Fi and cellular data are meant to provide you access to the internet. It does matter whether you want to go for a Wi-Fi network or cellular data, depending on the cost, speed, security, and coverage. However, when using mobile internet, do not forget to pay attention to the data usage, since they are often limited data plans and you do not realize it until you end up with a pesky cell phone bill by the end of the month. 

For instance, if you are traveling internationally, you must consider using Wi-Fi, so you can prevent any heavy cost of international roaming. Generally, when you subscribe to a cellular data plan outside your country, it comes with a bigger price. So, Wi-Fi internet is considered to be faster and cheaper as compared to cellular data. While using Wi-Fi internet, your device must be within the range of the router. 

Final Thoughts

If you want to enjoy better speeds and a secure network, you should definitely opt for Wi-Fi internet connectivity. However, if you come across public Wi-Fi networks that are not secure, or a slower Wi-Fi network while you are in your home country, you can switch to mobile data for better convenience and privacy protection. For video streaming and other heavy online activities, Wi-Fi internet seems to be a preferred choice over cellular data.

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