Wi-Fi internet only - how to stop/prevent 3G net access?

[Pikemann_Urge]

In Australia and some other countries the iPhone is or will be sold with limited data plans. Of course wi-fi will cost nothing if you can find an access point. But let's say that you want to lock out 3G network net access (which will cost you money if you go over your monthly limit) for whatever reason. Is that possible?

If not then what's the best way to make sure your iPhone is not using the 3G network for data?

[Gr8twhitenasty]

I think with the new press release on apple's site for "what's new" under the video of the new phone you can disable 3G access. http://www.apple.com/iphone/guidedtour/ I'm not sure if this will totally disable the internet service for the phone however.

[Cask]

I think the disable 3G button is just used to disable the faster 3G speeds in order to preserve battery life. However, that would still allow the phone to browse the net at EDGE speeds. If it is anything like the old phone, there would be two ways of disable EDGE/3G:
1. In the configuration panel for data settings, put incorrect data so the phone can't connect to Egde/3G
2. Using a third party application (like bossprefs on the current iPhone) disable 3G/EDGE. That is assuming that such application is released through the app store, or the phone gets jailbroken.

Regards!

[deftdrummer1]

First off, if you are connected to a wi-fi network (no matter the signal strength) it will try to access data through the wi-fi network rather than 3G / edge. Second, data access should be minimal if you have your mail set to manually be checked, and if you don't go into the maps / weather / youtube / stocks / safari apps. Basically, if you don't use your phone except to make phone calls.

As a last resort, I would disable 3G so that the data that is drawn is at a slower rate, thereby minimizing the data draw. It should be noted, however, that a slower data draw doesn't mean less data draw. It only means that you might be able to catch it in time before racking up too much. Ultimately, the iphone 3G probably won't be the best choice for those that wish to use it on a network with costly data plans.

[imitchellg5]

When you are connected to WiFi the iPhone uses that for data, not cellular networks.

[PG4G]

On the Australian networks, if you are on Optus or Vodafone, there is a switch that can activate 3G, or drop to EDGE. Switch it so you are dropped to EDGE. Optus and Vodafone do not have EDGE and will not provide it to you.

If you are in range of WiFi it will automatically use the WiFi network. Also, if you want a little extra protection, you could chuck it into Airplane mode and turn off the phone receiver that way. The 3G has the ability to access WiFi when in Airplane mode (2G will get that with OS X iPhone 2.0)

On Telstra, if you flick it to EDGE it will still download, just much slower.

[deftdrummer1]

The 3G has the ability to access WiFi when in Airplane mode (2G will get that with OS X iPhone 2.0)

I'm just curious where you read this PG4G?

[hardcle]

I've seen that too. I think it was in the "What's New" video on Apple's site.

[deftdrummer1]

It makes sense, especially with American airlines recently adding in-flight Wi-Fi access for customers.

[PG4G]

I didn't read it. i am a developer so i ahve the OS and I know it has that feature. it was built in for the Wifi to be allowed on american jets. They need to shut down the phone part but allow the wifi. That's why they did it.

[deftdrummer1]

thats sweet.

[rpsfigueira]

Hey!

Well, I share Pikemann_Urge's problem... I want to be able to turn on and off data connections on iphone 3g, more precisely, celular based data connections... I need to be sure the iphone won't go connecting to the internet every time I want to read an already downloaded email... that will cost to much money...

Is this possible?

regards.

rf

[deftdrummer1]

at this time it is not possible to anything other than the following options:

Turn 3G off so that the high speed network is not used. (will subsequently use the 2.5G network)

Turn airplane mode on, which will disable cellular connections all together, only allowing Wi-Fi access.

As a side note, most users get unlimited data access so this shouldn't be a problem. Maybe its different with the network that you're on.

[rpsfigueira]

well... i don't have unlimited data accesss, so to get this problem solved is quite important...

i'll keep looking for a solution, if i find it i'll post it... i'm sure this problem will be concerning many others.

thks anyway

rf

[DonnieZ]

So what about this scenario..

When I'm in Jamaica this January, I want my iPhone to be on and able to receive a call, but I don't want any data to be used as Int'l data is mui expensive. From what I read above, the phone is either on and data flows, or the cellular radio is off entirely.

They don't have some kind of a "I'm roaming. Stop using data." feature?

[Dim]

So what about this scenario..

When I'm in Jamaica this January, I want my iPhone to be on and able to receive a call, but I don't want any data to be used as Int'l data is mui expensive. From what I read above, the phone is either on and data flows, or the cellular radio is off entirely.

They don't have some kind of a "I'm roaming. Stop using data." feature?Yes, they do. It's under settings > network > data roaming, and should be off by default anyway.

[rpsfigueira]

hi,

I've posted a solution for this here: http://discussions.apple.com/message.jspa?messageID=7638123#7638123

enjoy,

rf