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What exactly is 3G and why is it more expansive than WiFi?

What is the difference between 3G and WiFi?

  • I know this is a common question, but I'm not keen on this stuff, and I don't quite understand other answers. I know that WiFi is just a wireless internet connection that you need to be in a hotspot to get. But I don't know what 3G and 4G are, or how they are different from WiFi. Specifically, I'd like to know: What is the difference between 3G and 4G? How are 3G and 4G different from WiFi? Do you have to pay for a data plan to get 3G or 4G? Are 3G and/or 4G available for iPod touch?

  • Answer:

    Basically the difference between 3G and 4G is speed. Think of it as the natrual evolution of 3G, similar to how 3G was the natural evolution to 2G (Edge). Its just faster. However, 3G phones cannot connect to 4G unless they are specifically designed with 4G hardware. 3G and 4G are signals sent from your carrier over the airways. Typically any OTA(over the air) signal will be slower then Wifi, but theoretical speeds show 4G of being capable of rivaling the fastest of wifi routers. Most carriers will charge for 3G in the form of a "Data Plan", carriers will often also charge you more (on top of the original Data Plan price) normally an additional $10. Neither are available on the iPod Touch's, because they do not have radio hardware they cant access a carriers OTA signal for data. However the iPhone can access 3G only on ATT and Verizion, there currently is no 4G iPhone, though most suspect that the next iPhone will be able to access 4G.

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difference between 3G and 4G? 3G has a download rate of 56 Mbits/s and upload of 22 Mbits/s 4G has a download rate of 100 Mbits/2 and upload of 50 Mbits/s So 4G is just a faster phone network Difference between 3G/4G and WiFi? 3G and 4G are both Phone network and require a SIM card and a Plan or Prepaid SIM to access the network where as WiFi you just need a phone/laptop capable of connecting an then join the WiFi hotspot or your home internet if you have a WiFi router Do you have to pay for data plan to get 3G or 4G? Yes you will have to pay for a data plan.. 3G or 4G on iPod touch? as of now they are currently not available on the iPod

TJR1990

The major difference to note is that 4G is faster the 3G. 3G & 4G are available through a cell carrier, aka AT&T, T-Mobile etc. Wifi is available through internet service providers, like Comcast & it is faster than either. Yes. The data plan is the 3G or 4G coverage. No. The iPod touch can only access the internet through wifi.

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3G and 4G are cellular data networks. You pay your cell phone carrier for a data plan or you pay by the use. 4G is much faster than 3G. The only way to access a cellular data network with an iTouch is to get a portable wifi hotspot and a data plan. Virgin and Clear offer affordable devices and unlimited data plans.

evilattorney

the difference between 3g and 4g is speed 4g is alot faster the difrence between 3g and wifi is 3g is almost ever where and is mobile where as wifi is only at a house or coffy shop so on yes u need a data plan if u have a smartphone so u can use 3g or 4g and no 3g or 4g isent avaiable for the ipod touch because its not a phone only wifi

Kev48us

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