If I use my home WiFi to get on the internet, does that count against my data usage?
jpp_com
Newbie

I'm all set to join Verizon for the first time, except for one thing. Unlike Sprint (terrible but improving speeds on their network), I see that my bill will be a bit higher with Verizon, which is not a problem since everyone I know (on Verizon) gets much faster speeds when they use their phone to get on the internet. So I decided to get the 4GB data package, except the customer service rep online at Verizon's website told me that even while using my phone through my WiFi setup at home, any time spent on the internet will count against my data usage. This seems outrageous, but she assured me it was the case. I've been told this is not the case by most people, but one person I talked to did back up her statement. Can anyone give me the truth on this? If I use my phone at home to get online, but first connect to my wireless connection, does that still count against my data usage? That would mean I'd go over the 4GB limit by like halfway through the month lol. Thanks everyone.

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Re: If I use my home WiFi to get on the internet, does that count against my data usage?
John_Getzke
Champion - Level 1

Verizon only charges you for network communication that goes over thier network (and thier roaming partners).  If you are connected to a WiFi hotspot that is not on Verizons network then there is no way VZW can charge you for that usage.

For example, Starbucks and McDonalds are on the ATT WiFi network.  Your communication while connected to that network is free and unlimited according to the terms of thier service, they just ask that you sign in first.  Connecting to a friends home WiFi would also be free, for you.  However your freind may have your data count against them on thier data plan if they have one.  You might want to ask that friend about thier internet connection before you assume too much and cause them trouble.

Dimap's point is also true.  It is possible that your device could connect to multiple networks if it is configured to do so.  The safest bet is to manually disable or disconnect from one network before accessing another.

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Re: If I use my home WiFi to get on the internet, does that count against my data usage?
Not applicable

When you are on wifi the cellular data symbol should not be present on the information bar on the top of your phone.

it should just show the wifi symbol.

Now a good thing to do is go into your phones settings and have it only update over wifi, the same for your apps. This way there are no surprises. Secondly turn "cellular data off" when at home to just use wifi. Ask yourself why would you pay verizon for data usage over your own wifi connection?

Verizon since they went to the limited data structure has been hitting people with high overage fees and its a huge money maker for them, you will never get any truthful answer from their customer no-support. One from another won't even give you the same screen read answers. pity I must say.

Just do the suggestions I made and you should be ok. Also turn off global roaming for data to only use verizons network.

Personally T-Mobile has unlimited 4G LTE which has been clocked faster than all the carriers. But alas the service is not everywhere. You could have saved quite a bit of money with them.

Good Luck

Minor edit by: Verizon Moderator <<>>

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Re: If I use my home WiFi to get on the internet, does that count against my data usage?
dimap52
Specialist - Level 1

No, wifi does NOT use your plan data allowance. The CSR's you talked with are completely WRONG on that point.

However, having said that, some Apple iPhone users have claimed otherwise and I don't dispute them, because it IS technologically possible to BOND wifi and mobile data streams (either by intentional or faulty hardware and software design) and there ARE industry initiatives to do this over carrier-owned wifi access points in the near future.

Depending on what phone you have, to be safe, if you can turn OFF Mobile Data on your  phone when using WiFi, do it. I can on mine, and i've never  seen data usage I didn't expect, and I use WiFi frequently as i'm only on a 2 Gig plan.

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Re: If I use my home WiFi to get on the internet, does that count against my data usage?
Not applicable

When you are on wifi the cellular data symbol should not be present on the information bar on the top of your phone. it should just show the wifi symbol. 

Now a good thing to do is go into your phones settings and have it only update over wifi, the same for your apps. This way there are no surprises. Secondly turn "cellular data off" when at home to just use wifi. Ask yourself why would you pay verizon for data usage over your own wifi connection?

Verizon since they went to the limited data structure has been banging people with high overage fees and its a huge money maker for them, you will never get any truthful answer from their customer no-support. One from another won't even give you the same screen read answers. pity I must say.  Just do the suggestions I made and you should be ok. Also turn off global roaming for data to only use verizons network. Personally T-Mobile has unlimited 4G LTE which has been clocked faster than all the carriers. But alas the service is not everywhere. You could have saved quite a bit of money with them.  Good Luck

Edited for discussion of moderation as required by the Terms of Service.

Message was edited by: Admin Moderator

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Re: If I use my home WiFi to get on the internet, does that count against my data usage?
John_Getzke
Champion - Level 1

Verizon only charges you for network communication that goes over thier network (and thier roaming partners).  If you are connected to a WiFi hotspot that is not on Verizons network then there is no way VZW can charge you for that usage.

For example, Starbucks and McDonalds are on the ATT WiFi network.  Your communication while connected to that network is free and unlimited according to the terms of thier service, they just ask that you sign in first.  Connecting to a friends home WiFi would also be free, for you.  However your freind may have your data count against them on thier data plan if they have one.  You might want to ask that friend about thier internet connection before you assume too much and cause them trouble.

Dimap's point is also true.  It is possible that your device could connect to multiple networks if it is configured to do so.  The safest bet is to manually disable or disconnect from one network before accessing another.

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