Essential WiFi guide: How NOT to kill your traffic plan

1. Wi-Fi Radio

Many cell phones have a Wi-Fi radio included, so you can connect to the Internet using your regular Internet connection instead of using cell service.

● This approach lets you browse faster and save on data costs.

● Your downloaded data won't count toward you data limit.

● Some carriers also allow you to place calls using your Wi-Fi network.

● Be careful: these may or may not count such calls toward your monthly minutes.

2. Wi-Fi Data

Smartphones can connect to the Wi-Fi network in your home or at a public hotspot, just like a laptop can.

● While using Wi-Fi, your phone will not use up any data from your data plan.

● This makes Wi-Fi the best way to download large files or watch videos.

● Unless your Internet provider has a data cap, browse and stream without limits.

3. Wi-Fi Calling

Most phones and networks still require a cell connection to place calls, even while browsing the Web through Wi-Fi.

● Certain carriers offer dedicated phones with Wi-Fi calling.

● These phones can place calls over your Internet connection.

● This allows you to use the phone even if you have no cell reception.

● Some carriers provide free Wi-Fi calling separate from regular call minutes.

4. Voice over IP

Even if your cell provider does not offer Wi-Fi calling, you can still place calls using your Internet connection using Voice over IP services such as Vonage or Skype.

● To use these services, download an app and create an account with the provider.

● A VOIP call over Wi-Fi will not pass through your cell provider.

● Depending on your carrier, you can also make VoIP calls while on a cell Internet connection (e.g. 3G), but this will use your cell plan's data.

5. Picking a Phone

If you want to use Wi-Fi services on your phone, you need to have a compatible phone.

● In general, all smartphone brands can connect to Wi-Fi for data, but most regular cell phones cannot.

● Wi-Fi calling requires separate phone features, further limiting the selection.

● In particular, the iPhone does not support Wi-Fi calling as of iOS 6.

● Wi-Fi calling also requires a compatible cell provider and cell plan.

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