Posted on 09/29/2015 5:40:33 PM PDT by dayglored
On by default, feature automatically switches to cellular signal when Wi-Fi is weak
If you've upgraded to iOS 9, you should be aware that it comes with a new feature enabled by default that could make your next wireless bill a lot bigger.
Wi-Fi Assist automatically switches your phone from Wi-Fi to a cellular connection when the Wi-Fi signal is poor. That's helpful if you're in the middle of watching a video or some other task on the internet that you don't want interrupted by spotty Wi-Fi service.
"But this also means eating through your 500 MB data cap without knowing it," warns the IT department at McGill University in Montreal, which suggests that users may want to disable Wi-Fi Assist.
The new feature means you may be consuming data from your data plan at times when you think you're on Wi-Fi. If your data plan isn't unlimited, that may result in overage charges in Canada, that's typically five cents per megabyte or $15 per 300 MB that you go over your data cap. (300 MB is what's required to stream a movie for 45 minutes, according to Bell's data calculator).
Chris Mills, a writer for the technology site Gizmodo, wrote that since he started testing the beta version of iOS 9, his data usage has increased by around a third.
"It's impossible to say if that extra usage is directly related to Wi-Fi Assist, but I have my suspicions," wrote Mills Tuesday.
(Excerpt) Read more at cbc.ca ...
Thanks. Good to know. My wife and I pretty much only use cellular data to stream music while driving. This keeps us well under out shared 6 GB/mo plan.
Also a good time to remind travelers to disable all cellular data outside the U.S. where data runs typically $20/MB
I am also on 9.0.1 but I can’t find any Wi-Fi Assist. Did they remove it with the update to 9.0.1?
Nope, it's there. Settings -> Cellular -> WiFi Assist (all the way at the end of the list)
I must have a different version of 9.0.1. It’s not there. I ran a search and it doesn’t come up. I guess I have the stealth version.
So, 2 big features that people look for with their new smartphones, are to be avoided?
Wi-Fi and a data plans are a couple of the most desirable features that people want and many need.
Looks like some people might as well give up their feature-rich smartphones if they’re going to be paying the price for using them.
That strikes me as odd enough I must ask: what model phone do you have, and do you have a cell-data plan enabled for it (in addition to, or as part of, your regular phone/text plan)? Or to put it another way, are you able to use the phone to browse the internet with Safari while the WiFi is turned OFF?
Friends don’t let friends buy Apple products.
No, silly. WiFi and cell data are both VERY valuable and users use them all the time.
The objection raised in this article is due to an automatic switchover from (free) WifI to (paid) cell data -- intended as a convenience, but if it defaults to ON can create an unpleasant surprise.
Nobody is bitching about paying for connectivity. Only unexpected use of the paid connectivity when one thought one was using the free.
Is your device wifi only?
Ah, I see the anti-Apple contingent has arrived. Welcome. Have no fear, no one here is going to force you to buy or use an Apple product.
I have a 4s model. I have WiFi enabled and do search the internet with cellular without wifi. The only thing I can think is I don’t stream videos with the phone and have no add-on apps to do such.
Least of all me. I run the Windows Ping List here at FR, not the Apple list.
But it's a slow night on the Windows side...
Huh, I guess you got me... I don't stream video either...
Maybe it's something not available on the 4s (wild-ass guess). I've pinged Swordmaker to this sub-thread in case his greater knowledge of the products can shed some light on the Case Of The Missing WiFi Assist. :-)
Apple 4s. Hadn’t thought that Sprint just might be the issue. Actually, I had but inertia prevents me from making any carrier changes.
Thanks
Android 4.4.4 with service provided by MetroPCS gives me unlimited 4GLTE Data for $50.00 a month at 25MBPS+
Use about 20GB per month.
Most providers should throttle speeds down to 3G when using their monthly allotment of 4G data.
Android 4.4.4 with service provided by MetroPCS gives me unlimited 4GLTE Data for $50.00 a month at 25MBPS+
Use about 20GB per month.
Most providers should throttle speeds down to 3G when using their monthly allotment of 4G data.
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