WiFi trumps cellular data plans

PCWorld reports.

Slate users are relying more and more on WiFi for a number of reasons. According to Connected Intelligence VP Eddie Hold, consumers are concerned about the high price of cellular data plans, and they're willing to rely on WiFi instead.

The study showed that, in October, 65% of 300 tablet users use only WiFi connections, a rise of 5% since April, NBC notes.

The reasons for WiFi are obvious - if one already has an iPhone or Droid Bionic, why pay for a second data plan for an iPad or Galaxy Tab? The second reason for the drop is that WiFi is now ubiquitous. ”Concern over the high cost of cellular data plans is certainly an issue, but more consumers are finding that WiFi is available in the majority of locations where they use their tablets, providing them 'good enough' connectivity," said Hold.

According to PCMag, Connected Intelligence said the reasons for consumers moving away from 3G connectivity for tablets were relatively obvious. Cellular connections require an additional data plan, although companies like Verizon have said they plan to move to account-based pricing, which would allow customers to bundle more than one connection within a single account. Other recent tablet introductions, such as the Kindle Fire, lack 3G connectivity at all, in order to reduce the price and make the tablet more attractive to cost-conscious consumers.

And with the prevalence of WiFi in caf'es, restaurants and airports, there is less of a need for 3G. Those who do need it can connect a tablet to a smartphone via that same WiFi connection.