How Does the Internet Work on Cell Phones?
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The Basics
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As cell phones become more than simply devices used to make and receive calls, more and more of them are able to connect to the Internet. In general, a cell phone will connect to the Internet using the same wireless connection used to make and receive calls. Your phone connects to a cell tower in the area, and instead of then connecting directly to another phone it connects to the Internet and can send and receive data. Certain cell phones, like Apple's iPhone, will also allow you to connect to the Internet using standard Wi-Fi. This is beneficial as it allows you to connect to Wi-Fi in public in places like cafes and retail stores where you may not have a strong cell phone connection. Connecting to Wi-Fi will also not count against any data plan you may be paying for.
Mobile Sites
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Certain websites acknowledge that their viewers will at some point be viewing their page using a cell phone and have provided mobile versions of these sites. A mobile version of a web page has content identical to that of the full page, only everything has been rearranged to make it all easier to access using a cell phone's small screen. Not every web page has a mobile version and therefore can be difficult to view using a cell phone. An example of a website with a mobile version is Digg.com, the popular site containing user submitted news articles. When trying to access the regular page, your phone will automatically redirect you to the mobile version if one is available.
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Data Plans
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Because transferring data to and from the Internet can get expensive, in order to have access on your cell phone you will have to purchase a data plan from your service provider. Some services, like AT&T with the iPhone, will require you to purchase an unlimited data plan and leave you no other option. Other services will allow you to purchase plans that allow you to access specific amounts of data (measured in megabytes) per month and will charge extra if you exceed the rate dictated by the plan you are paying for. All data plans come with a monthly charge that will be added to your phone bill.
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References
- Photo Credit www.sxc.hu
