WiFi, what uses it?

I'm confused about what the Driod uses WiFi for. I assume it uses it to connect to the INTERNET, when available, because it's faster than the Verizon network. Does it use WiFi for phone calls too? Can someone explain what and when WiFi is used for on the phone (assuming I have a connection)?

Thanks,,,I have received a lot of great help from this forum.

Accepted answers

SuzyQ

raroberts wrote:
I'm confused about what the Driod uses WiFi for. I assume it uses it to connect to the INTERNET, when available, Yes, this is correct. because it's faster than the Verizon network.Not necessarily BECAUSE it's faster, it uses the connection because it's there and availalble, and in some cases it may be faster. It depends on the network that is broadcasting the wi-fi signal.
Does it use WiFi for phone calls too? Can someone explain what and when WiFi is used for on the phone (assuming I have a connection)? No.
Thanks,,,I have received a lot of great help from this forum.

Wi-fi is an alternative way to connect ot the internet on your phone, if there is a wi-fi signal close enough for your phone to detect. Put your phone in airplane mode; it will no longer transmit data using your Verizon internet service, and will still be able to use wi-fi if available. Others have reported that this actually seems to work better in places where both wi-fi and Verizon signals are present; reduces conflict or something and signal is more consistent in airplane mode.

Voice calls are not the same, and don't use Verizon's data network or wi-fi....although that line is becoming more blurred as VOIP comes into play (Voice Over Internet Protocol).

All comments

SuzyQ

raroberts wrote:
I'm confused about what the Driod uses WiFi for. I assume it uses it to connect to the INTERNET, when available, Yes, this is correct. because it's faster than the Verizon network.Not necessarily BECAUSE it's faster, it uses the connection because it's there and availalble, and in some cases it may be faster. It depends on the network that is broadcasting the wi-fi signal.
Does it use WiFi for phone calls too? Can someone explain what and when WiFi is used for on the phone (assuming I have a connection)? No.
Thanks,,,I have received a lot of great help from this forum.

Voice calls are not the same, and don't use Verizon's data network or wi-fi....although that line is becoming more blurred as VOIP comes into play (Voice Over Internet Protocol).

raroberts

Thanks for the reply Susie. I think I get it. The phone only uses WiFi for apps that require the Internet. I was hoping my droid would use WiFi for calls as I get a very weak Verizon signal at home. It also seem that the WiFi feature is kinda weak as I regularly get "network unavailable" type messages at home even when I have a good WiFi signal. I will try the airplane mode suggestion to see if that helps. Thanks again

Verizon sells a device that connects to your WiFi connection at home to make it like a mini cell phone tower in your home. It should make connecting to your cell phone much better. Maybe someone else can give you the specifics....

Also, try calling *228 on your cell phone when your at home to see if it helps with your signal strength.

Call *228

Option 1.

hubsm

I guess I will tag onto this discussion since I can't find my answer by looking through 2400+ threads on WiFi.

I just upgraded from a Storm 2 to a Droid X. Since I don't use data that much I decided to change from unlimited data to the 150MB plan for $15.00. Due to this I need to ask this question. When I connect to an internet site or the marketplace, do my downloads get charged again my data usage if I am on WiFi?

One other matter while I'm here since weak signals were also mentioned. I never had a single problem making calls from my home with my Storm 1 or 2. Now with the Droid X, only 1 in 10 calls go through. I have already replaced the phone and spent many hours with tech support. Is this just a Droid X thing - weak radio or something?