cellular data network

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "cellular data network" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when referring to a mobile network that provides internet access through cellular technology. Example: "To ensure a stable connection while traveling, I always rely on a cellular data network for my smartphone."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

27 human-written examples

You need to be using the phone's Wi-Fi connection, not AT&T's Edge cellular data network.

The New York Times

In 2015, 14% of smartphone users made calls transmitted over the Wi-Fi or cellular data network, up from 5% in 2014.

The Guardian

The Kindle goes online using Sprint's 3G cellular data network — the same service that costs $60 a month for corporate laptop luggers.

The New York Times - Tech

Verizon will not be selling 3G versions of the iPad, which work over a cellular data network.

The New York Times - Tech

Internet calling services like Skype, which route voice and video calls over the cellular data network, could also be affected.

The New York Times - Tech

The fact that the iPhone offers faster Wi-Fi networking would more than make up for the relatively slow 300-kilobit-a-second pace of its cellular data network, he suggested.

The New York Times - Tech

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

30 human-written examples

Li L E argues that software-defined networking (SDN) can simplify the design and management of cellular data networks while enabling new services.

EURASIP Journal on Wireless Communications and Networking

That was attributed to a lack of high-speed cellular data networks, so a frenzied and costly effort to build third-generation, or 3G, networks ensued.

The New York Times - Tech

These cell operators have plans for new cellular data networks, but these may not be available outside several major cities for another few years.

The New York Times

(For $330, you can get a version that gets online over the cellular data networks).

The New York Times

What begins to appear is a high-speed wireless data network built from the bottom up, rather than the top-down wireless cellular data networks now being established by giant telecommunications companies.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "cellular data network" when specifying the type of mobile internet connection.

Common error

Avoid using "cellular data network" interchangeably with Wi-Fi. Cellular data uses mobile network infrastructure, while Wi-Fi uses local wireless access points.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "cellular data network" primarily functions as a noun phrase. It identifies a specific type of network that provides internet access to mobile devices. As demonstrated by Ludwig, this network type is often contrasted with Wi-Fi connections or other network infrastructures.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

56%

Science

24%

Wiki

16%

Less common in

Formal & Business

4%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "cellular data network" is a common and grammatically correct noun phrase referring to a mobile network providing internet access. Ludwig AI confirms its validity and widespread use. It's frequently used in contexts such as News & Media and Science, with a neutral register. When writing about mobile connectivity, it is important to differentiate it from Wi-Fi. Alternatives like "mobile data service" may be suitable depending on the context.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Mobile data access

Emphasizes the ability to access data while being mobile.

Mobile data service

Focuses on the service provided through the cellular connection.

Cellular internet access

Highlights the internet access provided by the cellular connection.

Mobile internet connection

Focuses on the internet access aspect, omitting the specific technology.

Wireless mobile network

Emphasizes the wireless and mobile aspects of the network.

3G/4G/5G network

Specifies the generation of cellular technology being used.

Cellular broadband

Highlights the broadband capability of the cellular connection.

Wireless carrier network

Highlights the role of the wireless carrier in providing the network.

Wireless data plan

Focuses on the subscription aspect of accessing the network.

Mobile telecommunications network

A more formal and comprehensive term for the network.

FAQs

How can I use "cellular data network" in a sentence?

You can say, "My phone uses a "cellular data network" to access the internet when Wi-Fi is unavailable".

What's the difference between "cellular data network" and Wi-Fi?

A "cellular data network" relies on mobile carrier infrastructure, while Wi-Fi connects through local wireless routers. Cellular data is generally accessible anywhere with cell service, whereas Wi-Fi is limited to the range of the router.

What are some alternatives to saying "cellular data network"?

Alternatives include "mobile data service", "mobile internet connection", or simply "mobile data" depending on the context.

Is it correct to use "cellular data network" to describe a 5G connection?

Yes, "cellular data network" is a general term that encompasses various mobile network technologies, including 3G, 4G, and 5G. Specifying "5G network" provides more detail, but "cellular data network" remains accurate.