What does it mean when a phone sales man tells you it has "Wi-Fi" capability?

Question

Does it mean that I can use the internet without eating up my minutes or subscribing to Verizon's VCAST service?

I have free Wi-Fi at home, somehow my laptop picks it up. Can I use this same service on a "Wi-Fi capable" phone?

What exactly does it mean?

Answer 1

Hi, NoCain -

Yes, wi-fi capable means you can use your phone over any open wireless network, be it at your home or at public places such as libraries and coffee shops. Unless you are using good security, you should not share information over a wi-fi connection you don't want someone else seeing. This includes things such as bank information, passwords and other personal information. If you're using a public wi-fi network, beware. This includes the network you're accessing at home, if it's not your own and secure behind a router/firewall.  

Answer 2

just like you can connect your laptop to any unsecured wireless connection, now you can connect using your phone...say you go to starbucks, or panera... and you need to get online.. and you dont have a laptop.. you can bring your phone out, and connect it to their network without going on v-cast and using the verizon service...you won't be even using up any minutes..verizon won't even know when and how you connect...wi-fi is just a little card that picks up wireless signals. I would recommend it..nice feature to have.. hope i explained in simple words

Answer 3

You have easy access to the internet for free, providing you are within range of the Wi-Fi spot. It is a great feature to have. I recommend it.