Data

“Data” is the information that is transmitted over a network connection to access the internet, and your mobile apps. Data is usually measured in megabytes (MB) and gigabytes (GB) and is part of your phone plan or your home internet plan.

Most people have two different and separate internet connections:

1. A home internet connection typically involves a modem and a router.
   • The modem connects to your Internet Service Provider (ISP) and brings the internet into your home (usually through a coaxial cable, DSL, or fiber).
   • The router then distributes this internet connection to various devices in your home, either via Wi-Fi or ethernet cables.
   • Sometimes, the modem and router are combined into one device, known as a gateway or hub.
   • All devices connected to the router (whether via Wi-Fi or wired) share the same home internet data connection.

2. A mobile data connection is used by your mobile device when it is not connected to a Wi-Fi network. Mobile data comes to your device through a nearby antenna system, such as those on cellular towers.

   Mobile data is most often accessed when you are using your device and you are not at home.

   If you don’t want to use your mobile data, you can turn it off or ensure that your device is set-up to connect to a trusted Wi-Fi network when one is available.

You will have separate data amounts for your home internet and mobile data. Even if an internet service provider bundles your home internet and mobile phone subscriptions into a single bill, the data amounts for each will be shown separately.

It’s important to think about how and where you’ll use your mobile device. If you mostly use it at home on Wi-Fi, or just for calls and texts, you probably won’t need much mobile data. But if you make video calls or use the internet while out and about (especially with navigation apps), you’ll likely need a bigger plan.

The way you use your device and how you connect to the internet will impact how much data you use.

Your mobile provider can explain their plans and help you choose one that fits your needs. Understanding how you’ll use your device makes it easier to find the right plan for you.

The two kinds of data – home internet and mobile data – are used by different devices. Here’s a list of common devices that use each type of data.

Home internet data - Devices usually intended to stay in your home all the time use home internet, including:

• Desktop PCs
• Laptops
• Smart TVs
• Tablets
• Smart home devices
• Security cameras

Mobile data - Devices usually intended to go out and about use mobile data, including:

• Mobile devices (or smartphones)
• Some laptop computers
• Some tablets
• Some smartwatches
• Some medical alert devices

Your service provider will be able to answer any questions you may have about data.

Check with your service provider to see what tools they provide to help you understand and manage your data usage.

A mobile hotspot on your phone lets you share your mobile data with other devices (like a laptop, tablet, or another phone) by turning your mobile device into a mini-Wi-Fi router. This function can also be referred to as mobile tethering. Your device’s mobile hotspot/tethering functionality can be turned on and off through the device settings.

When it’s good to use:

• No Wi-Fi available: You’re somewhere without Wi-Fi (e.g. traveling, camping, or in a coffee shop with bad internet), but your phone has a solid cell signal.
• Backup internet: Your home internet or Wi-Fi connection goes out and you need to stay online for work, school, or anything urgent.
• Secure connection: You’re in a public place and don’t trust the open Wi-Fi. Using your hotspot is usually more secure.

Since a mobile hotspot/tethering uses your phone’s data, you will need to keep track of how much data you use when turning on your hotspot if you don’t have an unlimited plan. Be careful! Using a mobile hotspot/tethering can eat up data quickly, especially with video streaming or downloads, and can be expensive.

Connection Type
Connection Type	What is it?	What is it usually used for?	Pros:	Cons:
Home Internet	A wired or wireless internet connection provided by internet companies. It usually comes into your house via a cable, fiber line, or DSL, and connects to a router that gives you Wi-Fi.	Everyday internet use at home Streaming, gaming, Video calls (i.e. Zoom, Teams, Facebook Messenger) Households with multiple people/devices online at once	Fast, stable, usually includes large data amounts.	Not portable.
Mobile Data (via mobile phone connection)	Internet access through your mobile phone provider using cellular networks. Your phone connects to the internet without needing Wi-Fi.	Using apps, or browsing while you’re away from home GPS, other mapping (Google)	Always with you, no need for Wi-Fi.	Requires mobile phone data so the amount of data in your plan is important to remember; may be slower in areas with lower signal strength.
Mobile Hotspot / Tethering	A feature on your mobile phone that can share your mobile data with other devices (like a laptop or tablet) by creating a personal Wi-Fi signal. You must set up this feature for it to work.	Emergency backup if home internet goes down Traveling (especially where no public Wi-Fi is available) Working on your laptop when there’s no Wi-Fi	Convenient, portable, secure.	Requires mobile phone data so the amount of data in your plan is important to remember; can be expensive if you don’t have a suitable mobile data plan; drains battery quickly.