Apple iOS 9 feature Wi-Fi Assist could lead to huge iPhone bills

CBC News Technology & Science ^ | Sep 29, 2015 | CBC News

[Drew68]

So as of tonight I've turned the feature OFF. Figured it was useful to let my fellow FReepers know.

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

[Purdue77]

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?

[dayglored]

> 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)

[Purdue77]

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.

[adorno]

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.

[dayglored]

> 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.

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?

[mkleesma]

Friends don’t let friends buy Apple products.

[dayglored]

> 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.

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.

[Defiant]

They didn't remove it. It's at the very bottom of the page. If you don't have it, maybe there is something carrier specific to you.

Is your device wifi only?

[dayglored]

> Friends don’t let friends buy Apple products.

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.

[Purdue77]

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.

[dayglored]

> Have no fear, no one here is going to force you to buy or use an Apple product.

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...

[dayglored]

> 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.

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. :-)

[Purdue77]

Apple 4s. Hadn’t thought that Sprint just might be the issue. Actually, I had but inertia prevents me from making any carrier changes.

[9422WMR]

Thanks

[Rodney Dangerfield]

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.

[Rodney Dangerfield]

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.

[Irish Eyes]

Bookmark

[Mark17]

Thank you defiant. I handled it. 😂

[Irish Eyes]

mark