What exactly does data roaming do?

[hotpace1]

I've just realised that I've had data roaming turned off for quite possibly, months. Yet I still can use the web and get my emails etc etc. So by turning data roaming off when you go abroad what does it actually do? And is there a difference in turning it off in your own country as oppose to abroad?

I thought that if data roaming was off, even in my own country (UK) then I wouldn't be able to send or receive data.

 

[Carniphage]

I thought that if data roaming was off, even in my own country (UK) then I wouldn't be able to send or receive data.

Roaming is the cellphone industry's name for being away from your home network.

Roaming data charges are expensive, so turning this setting off turns-off data services when away from your subscribed network. Has no effect at home.

C.

 

[hotpace1]

Okay cool! So the phone just knows when its away from its home network and won't send or receive emails unless I turn data roaming on? What if I have data roaming off when abroad but am in a cafe that has free wifi? Can the wifi be switched on and used while data roaming is switched off?

 

[arubinst]

Can the wifi be switched on and used while data roaming is switched off?

Yes. Data roaming only applies to the cell network.

 

[ThE.MeSsEnGeR]

and what about "AirPlane Mode" ?? what does that do exactly?

 

[Carniphage]

and what about "AirPlane Mode" ?? what does that do exactly?

Turns off ALL radios.

C.

 

[uiop.]

and what about "AirPlane Mode" ?? what does that do exactly?

Turns off ALL radios.

C.

Yup turns them all off and is to be used whenever you're on an airplane. Hence the name.
I toggle it on/off if I'm having problems with the AT&T nework.

 

[kisbys]

I've just realised that I've had data roaming turned off for quite possibly, months. Yet I still can use the web and get my emails etc etc. So by turning data roaming off when you go abroad what does it actually do? And is there a difference in turning it off in your own country as oppose to abroad?

I thought that if data roaming was off, even in my own country (UK) then I wouldn't be able to send or receive data.

To quote your title data roaming is your operators way of paying for your phone in one easy email!!!!