2G/3G data connection

[yeppii]

So my galaxy s2 is usually on GSM (2G) to conserve battery. When I need faster data speed, i switch to WCDMA(3G) mode.

My question is what does turning on "use packet data" mean? I've googled it and people say that if you turn on packet data, that basically means you turned on 3G? I thought I turned on 3G by choosing WCDMA network already. Do I get faster speeds if I choose WCDMA and packet data ON? What happens if I'm on GSM network but turn ON packet data?

Sorry for the newbie questions.. this is my first android phone

 

[chanchan05]

Many people are confused. Turning on packet data means turning on the data connection. If that is turned off, it won't matter if you have full signal, you won't have access to internet. Many people equate 3G to data connection for some reason.

 

[yeppii]

really? my packet data was always "OFF" and i was alwasy able to get internet connection, whether it's 2G or 3G network

 

[chanchan05]

In my case, if packet data is turned off, it will never connect to the internet, as well on my sister's phone. Unless you are using WiFi.

 

[Tattycakes]

It baffles me why they chose to call it 'packet data'. Although it's a technically correct description, the average user isn't going to have a clue what it means. Interestingly, some phones don't have that option, they have a 'mobile network' tickbox in the W&Nw menu instead. Could they not have called it 'internet connection' or something similarly obvious?

 

[Andima]

Turning on "use packet data" mean enable your phone network traffic including GPRS, EDGE, WCDMA (HSDPA, etc)

 

[Deleted User]

Turning on "use packet data" mean enable your phone network traffic including GPRS, EDGE, WCDMA (HSDPA, etc)

And depending on what subsettings out have enabled it will pick up that signal from the tower if available....depending of course on what signals that tower broadcasts.

 

[Andima]

And depending on what subsettings out have enabled it will pick up that signal from the tower if available....depending of course on what signals that tower broadcasts.

Oh yes! If you select WCDMA only or GSM only or WCDMA prefer with GSM in Mobile network setting

 

[Dalby]

.....data connection. If that is turned off, it won't matter if you have full signal, you won't have access to internet. ....

I'm new to Android phones as of yesterday. I have data connection turned off and only use WiFi but there's still a leak - 202kbs in the last 24 hours. I know it's a small amount but I would prefer it to be zero as it was on my Nokia N8.