Cellular data is what gets your device online when Wi-Fi isn’t around, using a mobile network instead. At Meter, our Cellular solution uses CBRS and Wi-Fi to keep you connected at all times. We also have plenty of tips to help you save data and keep things running on all cylinders.

Find out more on:

• What is cellular data?
• How does cellular data work?
• What uses data on a cell phone?
• Mobile data vs. Wi-Fi: Key differences
• How to manage and conserve cellular data
• How Meter keeps businesses connected by simplifying complex processes

What is cellular data?

Cellular data is what keeps your phone connected when there’s no Wi-Fi in sight. It taps into a mobile network, sending signals between your device and nearby cell towers. That’s how you can scroll, stream, and send messages from almost anywhere—whether you’re stuck in traffic or lounging at the park.

A lot of people mix up cellular data and Wi-Fi. The difference is Wi-Fi comes from a fixed network, like your home router or office setup. Cellular data, on the other hand, follows you around, giving you internet access wherever there’s a signal.

Think about when you leave the house. Your phone automatically switches to cellular data so you can check emails, play music, or get directions. It fills the gaps when Wi-Fi isn’t an option. That’s great for staying connected but can also mean higher costs, depending on your plan.

Cellular data tends to cost more than Wi-Fi, but it’s way more flexible. Wi-Fi can be spotty in public places, and security can be a gamble. Mobile networks encrypt your data by default, making them a safer bet on the go.

At Meter, we see how businesses rely on both. Hybrid networks, like those we build with Meter, give teams the best of both worlds—fast Wi-Fi when available, and mobile data when it’s needed. The goal is keeping everyone connected without the burden. 

The next question is: What does it take to make cellular data work?

How does cellular data work?

Cellular data moves through invisible radio waves, bouncing between your phone and the nearest cell tower. It’s like passing notes in class—except way faster, way more secure, and not against the rules.

The tech behind it has come a long way. Back in the 3G days, mobile internet was sluggish but functional. Then 4G LTE came along, making streaming and video calls possible without buffering every five seconds. Now, 5G is in play, bringing even faster speeds and handling more devices at once.

Speed isn’t the only factor that matters. A good signal keeps things running without lag. But location, network congestion, and even the weather can interfere. If you’ve ever had a call drop in a parking garage, you’ve seen this firsthand.

Reliable data connections keep teams working without interruptions. Video meetings, cloud-based apps, and remote work all depend on fast, stable internet. At Meter, we make sure companies get the best of both worlds, blending Wi-Fi with cellular data to keep everything running.

Today 5G is changing how networks handle demand. It reduces delays, allows more connections, and opens the door for new tech like smart buildings and remote collaboration. Businesses that stay ahead of these shifts will thrive. That’s where we come in, making sure networks can handle whatever comes next.

What activities use the most data on a cell phone?

Every time you stream a video, check a social media site, or ask your GPS for directions, your phone pulls in data. And it’s not just the apps you’re using at the moment—plenty of things happen in the background with other applications that you might not even notice.

Remote work’s biggest data drain: Video meetings

Zoom, Microsoft Teams, and Google Meet are lifesavers for remote work, but they also use a lot of data. A one-hour Zoom meeting in HD can chew through nearly a gigabyte. Multiply that by multiple calls a day, and it adds up fast—especially if your team is working from mobile devices.

Syncing in the background

Cloud storage tools like Google Drive, Dropbox, and OneDrive are always syncing files. Uploading or downloading large documents, spreadsheets, and presentations can take up more data than you’d expect. Collaborative tools like Slack and Asana also pull in updates constantly, refreshing channels and loading new messages.

The data guzzlers: Live streaming

If you’ve ever burned through your data limit too fast, a streaming app was probably involved. Watching shows, live sports, or even high-quality music eats up megabytes fast. The higher the resolution, the more data it demands.

Interactive social media and networking apps 

Social-media apps are constantly refreshing feeds, preloading videos, and sending notifications. If you spend time on TikTok, Instagram, or YouTube Shorts, you’re basically feeding your phone a steady diet of data. Even the steady scrolling through LinkedIn video posts eats up data.  

Navigation with real-time updates on the go

GPS apps don’t just show you a map; they update in real time. Live traffic updates, reroutes, and satellite views all pull data as you drive. The longer your trip, the more data you’ll use.

Background data refreshes

Some apps work quietly behind the scenes. Your phone might be syncing emails, backing up photos, or refreshing content so it’s ready when you open an app. Cloud storage and automatic updates can also chip away at your data without you realizing it.

Keeping usage under control

You can check your data consumption in your phone’s settings. iOS and Android both break down which apps use the most, giving you a clear picture of where your data is going.

Tracking data use is even more important for businesses. Between cloud-based work, video meetings, and shared devices, mobile data can disappear fast. That’s why we at Meter build tools that help teams monitor usage and avoid overages. Our systems track data across multiple devices, making it easier to manage limits and keep operations running without surprises.

Mobile data vs. Wi-Fi: Key differences

Wi-Fi and mobile data both keep you connected, but they work in different ways. One covers fixed locations like homes and offices. Mobile data is what follows you wherever there’s a cell signal. The right choice for you depends on factors like cost, coverage, and security.

Wi-Fi is usually the cheaper option

Most home and office internet plans have a flat monthly rate, no matter how much data you use. Mobile data, on the other hand, is often tied to a plan with limits. Go over that limit, and you might face extra charges or throttled speeds.

Managing mobile data costs can be tricky, especially with remote employees. Wi-Fi helps cut expenses, but teams working on the go still need mobile data to stay connected.

Mobile data works everywhere Wi-Fi doesn’t

Wi-Fi is limited to specific locations. Once you leave those zones, your phone switches to mobile data. Cellular networks stretch across cities, highways, and even rural areas, making them a better option when you’re moving around.

Coverage gaps can cause disruptions. If employees rely on Wi-Fi-only connections, outages or weak signals can slow them down. Mobile data fills those gaps and provides a backup when Wi-Fi fails.

Public Wi-Fi can be risky

Public Wi-Fi networks might be convenient, but they’re not always safe. Without added protections like a VPN, hackers can intercept data. Mobile networks, on the other hand, use built-in encryption, making them a more secure option.

Businesses that deal with sensitive data often prefer employees to use mobile networks instead of public Wi-Fi. A secure, reliable connection is crucial when working remotely or accessing confidential information.

The best of both worlds: A hybrid setup

Most businesses don’t rely on just one connection. Wi-Fi handles heavy tasks like large downloads and video streaming in the office. Mobile data keeps employees connected on the move.

A hybrid setup helps prevent downtime. If Wi-Fi ever goes down, mobile data acts as a backup, keeping workflows uninterrupted. At Meter, we help businesses integrate both types of networks, so teams can switch between Wi-Fi and cellular without disruptions. Reliable connectivity means teams stay productive no matter where work happens.

How to manage and conserve cellular data

Keeping an eye on cellular data use can help avoid overage charges and slowdowns. The good news is that a few small changes can make a big difference. Thankfully, there are plenty of ways to stretch your data without sacrificing connectivity.

Adjust phone settings to help limit background data

Phones love to use data, even when you’re not actively using them. Background app activity can quietly chip away at your monthly allowance. Turning off background refresh for apps that don’t need constant updates helps cut unnecessary data use. Most phones also have a data saver mode that reduces app activity when you’re not on Wi-Fi.

Monitor streaming apps that can burn through data fast

Watching movies or listening to music on the go is a quick way to drain your data. Streaming platforms like Netflix, YouTube, and Spotify let you lower video quality or limit data use when not on Wi-Fi. Adjusting these settings makes a noticeable difference, especially if you spend a lot of time on mobile data.

Offline downloads before the trip help save data while traveling

One of the easiest ways to reduce data use is to download content while on Wi-Fi. Apps like Google Maps allow you to save maps for offline use, which is great for road trips or flights. The same goes for music and podcasts—downloading playlists in advance means you won’t need to stream them over cellular.

Pick the right data plan to prevent surprises

Not all data plans are created equal. Some come with rollover data, while others offer shared pools for multiple devices. Choosing a plan that fits your actual usage can prevent unnecessary overages or paying for more than you need. Businesses that manage multiple devices can benefit from centralized tracking tools to avoid unexpected charges.

Meter makes it easy to track and manage usage

Data management is about keeping teams connected without interruptions. At Meter, we provide real-time insights into data usage across multiple devices, making it easier to plan and adjust before hitting a limit. A well-managed network keeps teams online without wasting data where it isn’t needed.

How Meter keeps businesses connected

Reliable internet keeps businesses running, but networks don’t always cooperate. Wi-Fi can drop out, data usage can spike, and unexpected slowdowns can throw off an entire workday. Meter designs networks that keep teams online no matter what. By combining Wi-Fi with cellular data, we make sure businesses stay connected, even when one network fails.

Cellular data keeps work moving when Wi-Fi goes down

Wi-Fi alone doesn’t always cut it, especially in large offices, warehouses, or buildings with thick walls. Cellular dead zones lead to dropped calls, slow data, and frustrated employees. Meter Cellular fixes that by using a neutral-host CBRS network to improve coverage inside buildings, keeping everyone connected no matter where they are.

Multi-carrier support keeps employees and visitors connected

Instead of being locked into a single carrier, Meter Cellular works with multiple major carriers at the same time. Employees, contractors, and guests can all stay connected without worrying about whether their carrier has strong service in the building.

Real-time monitoring makes data management easy

Managing a network shouldn’t be a guessing game. That’s why we’re launching a Meter dashboard integration that will show real-time insights into cellular access points, connection status, and device activity. IT teams will have full visibility into their network’s performance, making it easier to track and optimize connectivity across locations.

Build networks that scale with business growth

Adding more employees shouldn’t mean fighting with a sluggish network. Meter’s system grows alongside businesses, adjusting to changes in data needs, team size, and office expansion.

Whether it’s a single office or a growing network of locations, we make sure connectivity keeps up. More devices can be added without overloading the system, and businesses don’t have to worry about constantly upgrading infrastructure to support growth.

Get compliance and security built into your network

Reliable connectivity is important, but so is safety. Meter Cellular supports E911 compliance, ensuring accurate location data for emergency responders when needed. Businesses don’t have to worry about meeting legal requirements—our system takes care of it.

A network that keeps up with modern business

At Meter, we’ve seen what happens when a network can’t keep up with demand—dropped calls, frozen screens, and frustrated teams waiting for files to load. That’s why we designed a system that blends Wi-Fi and cellular data, giving businesses a setup that adapts in real time.

Companies using Meter report fewer outages, better performance, and an easier time managing their enterprise Wi-Fi network. When connectivity works without interruptions, teams can focus on their work instead of troubleshooting internet issues.

Optimize your network with the new Cellular from Meter

Cellular is the newest addition to the Meter family and uses a neutral-host CBRS network for reliable cell service. Cellular data is what keeps teams connected when Wi-Fi isn't enough. Adding Cellular to your vertically integrated network plan or purchasing it separately means strong, high-quality indoor cell coverage that grows with your business.

Features you can expect from Cellular:

• Simplified deployment: Meter handles everything from site surveys to installation and activation.
• Quick installation: The process is much faster than traditional DAS, taking just 6 to 8 weeks.
• Reliable coverage: Neutral-host CBRS gives strong signals and removes dead zones for steady, carrier-grade service.
• Multi-carrier support: One setup works with major carriers, keeping employees and visitors connected.
• Dashboard monitoring: The upcoming Meter dashboard integration, planned for Q1-Q2 next year, will display cellular APs, their status, and connected devices
• Compliance and security: The system supports E911 compliance for accurate emergency service access.

Contact Meter today to learn more.