We’ve seen lots of articles these days that talk about residents cutting their landlines in favor of all-mobile services. For example, here’s an article from Parks Associates that shows almost 70% of US broadband households have expressed interest in Wi-Fi-based mobile service plans if it will save them money. But what is Wi-Fi based mobile really all about?
Before I explain that concept, I’d like to clear up a common misconception. I’ve discovered that an overwhelming number of people think that Wi-Fi and the Internet are synonymous. But the fact is, Wi-Fi is simply a means to connect to the Internet (think of Wi-Fi as the cable that plugs into the back of your computer or router). Once people understand the difference between the two, the Wi-Fi and mobile services picture becomes clearer.
In a traditional home, a link to the Internet is delivered through a cable or DSL line managed by a communications service provider. This Internet connectivity is then made available to phones, laptops, and other devices through wiring/cabling, Wi-Fi, and/or Bluetooth, etc.
Some homeowners opting to go all wireless/LTE are taking the step of ditching their cable or DSL service – and in doing so are bypassing the more traditional links (such as cable or DSL) to the internet. However, these homeowners still want Wi-Fi capabilities indoors to ensure all devices have Internet connectivity.
You can get Wi-Fi based mobile connectivity to the Internet by using an adapter with a SIM card – which can be in the form of a black box such as a Mi-Fi that will convert LTE signals coming in to the home to Wi-Fi, or already embedded in your device.
If you’re considering going that route however, here’s the big question you need to consider: What if you have poor LTE coverage? If that’s the case, data rates will be lower and this will negatively impact Wi-Fi signals in your house.
That’s where Cel-Fi comes into the picture (even though we’re talking about Wi-Fi-based mobile connectivity here), because improving the quality of your LTE signal can make everything better – including your Wi-Fi performance – and let you cut the ties for good.