Can I surf the web on iPhone without a Wi-Fi connection?
It is possible to surf the web on an iPhone without Wi-Fi using either a 3G or Edge data connection.
First and second generation iPhone models can only connect to Wi-Fi and Edge whereas the iPhone 3G and beyond can access 3G connections as well as Wi-Fi and Edge.
These wireless connections are provided by cell phone companies such as AT&T and provide mobile Internet access to an iPhone when in signal range.
There are a number of contracts available for the iPhone, all of which include a data plan for Edge and 3G connections and can be setup when the iPhone is purchased or, if the phone was bought on its own, at a later date through the provider.
Most iPhone plans require a minimum contract term of two years and offer unlimited mobile data usage for a monthly fee.
Edge, sometimes referred to as 2G, is the slower of the two connections but is more widely available. A 3G connection is closer to broadband speed for mobile devices, estimated at around 2 Mbit/s (megabits per second).
For basic web browsing and email, Edge works at an acceptable speed however 3G will be required for streaming media such as video and audio.
Mobile Internet coverage varies by location and where a 3G signal is not available the iPhone will revert to an Edge connection if possible.
The iPhone is designed to look for an available data connection from Wi-Fi, Edge or 3G and use the best possible connection at all times. It is possible to turn off both Wi-Fi and 3G in order to preserve battery life by only using an Edge connection.
Yes. When a Wi-Fi connection is not available, you can access the Internet using AT&T’s EDGE data network. AT & T is the exclusive wireless carrier for the United States. Vodafone is rumored to be the partner in Europe. All Indians are baiting their nails. Is it going to be Hutch or Airtel? Will we get unlimited data calls? Let us wait and see.
