3G and Wi-Fi: Which Is Better For Internet Connection

Are you thinking of changing your Internet access data plan or are you planning to equip a new facility? As you know, Internet connectivity has become an essential need in the personal, social and professional lives of many people. Before we continue to discuss 3G and Wi-Fi, we need to know what their meanings are.

3G can simply be defined as the third generation of wireless technology. It is an upgrade from the 2G. In between the two was the infamous and temporary 2.5 G which was used as a bridge between 2G and 3G. Wi-Fi is a technology that enables data transfer wirelessly through a computer network. Here, to access the Internet through a phone or computer, one will need to be in a hotspot or a wireless network access point.

3G vs. Wi-Fi

Accessibility: Comparing the two, this is where 3G beats Wi-Fi. With a 3G connection you can access the Internet wherever your mobile phone can receive a signal. There might be a little drop of speed if the signal reception is not optimal. A Wi-Fi connection will only work a few meters from a hotspot or access point. As long as you are out of the defined distance, you can’t use the service.

Data Usage: While 3G offers different data packages and data plans, it is rare to have a limited plan for Wi-Fi. Most Wi-Fi connections offer unlimited access to a network. This means you won’t have to worry about how much data you download and upload. The reason why 3G has different data plans is because 3G providers are telecom companies that share their bandwidth with telephone calls. They limit data transfer so that the quality of their phone service is not compromised.

Speed: 3G on average has an upload speed of 200 kbps. The speed depends on signal strength. A Wi-Fi connection offers an average upload speed of 450 kbps. The variation in speed of Wi-Fi depends on the Internet connection the provider is using.

Choosing the system to go with will depend on what you intend to do. If you think 3G is the way to go, then it is wise to take some time and check the data plans offered by different companies. Again, choosing the right data plan depends on your needs. For those who may need a lot of downloads, an unlimited data plan is recommended.