--- title: Wireless Technology Blog | Viaero Wireless | Helen Akers description: Wireless, cellphones and high speed Internet technology blog from Viaero Wireless. --- [![Viaero Wireless Logo](https://blog.viaero.com/hubfs/Viaero_March2018%20Theme/images/viaero-logo3609e0925fa06ab09c57ff07008bad5b.png)](https://www.viaero.com/) - [877-484-2376](tel:8774842376) - [Find a Store](https://stores.viaero.com/) - [Cart](https://www.viaero.com/shop/view-cart) - Search - [My Viaero](http://myviaero.com) - PLANS - Cellphone Plans - [Student Plan](https://info.viaero.com/student-unlimited-plan-01) - Internet Plans - [ConnectED Program](https://info.viaero.com/connected) - DEALS - Sales & Promotions - [Student Unlimited](https://info.viaero.com/student-unlimited-plan-01) - [FREE Phones w/ Prepaid](https://info.viaero.com/prepaid-promo) - SUPPORT - Help Center - [My Viaero](https://app.idibilling.com/onlinebill/via02_p_production/) # Viaero Technology Blog ## Helen Akers ### Recent Posts ## [How Do First Responders Communicate and What Are Some of Their Challenges?](https://blog.viaero.com/tech/how-do-first-responders-communicate-and-what-are-some-of-their-challenges) Posted by [Helen Akers](https://blog.viaero.com/tech/author/helen-akers) on Oct 13, 2022 12:17:31 PM - [Tweet](https://twitter.com/share) [![](https://blog.viaero.com/hubfs/Fireman-saving-cat-FB.jpg)](https://blog.viaero.com/tech/how-do-first-responders-communicate-and-what-are-some-of-their-challenges) It’s no secret that first responders experience on-the-job challenges most of the public would never want to face. However, public safety roles are also becoming more demanding, and first responders feel the strain. Survey research shows that [61% of first responders](https://www.ravemobilesafety.com/resources-center/survey-report-public-safety-trends/) believe their jobs have become more difficult in the last 18 months. [Read More](https://blog.viaero.com/tech/how-do-first-responders-communicate-and-what-are-some-of-their-challenges) 0 Comments [Click here to read/write comments](https://blog.viaero.com/tech/how-do-first-responders-communicate-and-what-are-some-of-their-challenges#comments-listing) Topics: [first responders](https://blog.viaero.com/tech/topic/first-responders), [cellular](https://blog.viaero.com/tech/topic/cellular), [communications](https://blog.viaero.com/tech/topic/communications) ## [Is the Future of Movie Theaters in Jeopardy?](https://blog.viaero.com/tech/but-what-if-theaters-arent-dying) Posted by [Helen Akers](https://blog.viaero.com/tech/author/helen-akers) on Aug 17, 2021 2:57:08 PM - [Tweet](https://twitter.com/share) [![](https://blog.viaero.com/hubfs/movie-theater-blog-banner.jpg)](https://blog.viaero.com/tech/but-what-if-theaters-arent-dying) Can you imagine a world without movie theaters? It may become a reality beyond 2022, according to some industry analysts. Not only did the pandemic cause an [80% decline](https://www.npr.org/2021/06/14/1006362151/is-movie-night-back) in box office ticket sales, but several major studios have implemented hybrid movie release models. [Read More](https://blog.viaero.com/tech/but-what-if-theaters-arent-dying) 0 Comments [Click here to read/write comments](https://blog.viaero.com/tech/but-what-if-theaters-arent-dying#comments-listing) Topics: [streaming](https://blog.viaero.com/tech/topic/streaming), [movie theater](https://blog.viaero.com/tech/topic/movie-theater), [movies](https://blog.viaero.com/tech/topic/movies) ## [4G vs. 5G Technology: What’s the Difference?](https://blog.viaero.com/tech/4g-vs.-5g-technology-whats-the-difference) Posted by [Helen Akers](https://blog.viaero.com/tech/author/helen-akers) on Jul 6, 2021 3:37:15 PM - [Tweet](https://twitter.com/share) [![](https://blog.viaero.com/hubfs/4G-5G-difference-blog-banner.jpg)](https://blog.viaero.com/tech/4g-vs.-5g-technology-whats-the-difference) 2019 was the year that 5G cellular networks started to appear. By the end of 2020, 5G was present in [around 100 U.S. cities](https://www.businessinsider.com/4g-vs-5g). But presence hasn’t necessarily translated to the same levels of coverage and performance 4G networks currently offer. Coverage in both urban and non-urban areas is just over 30% with some carriers. [Read More](https://blog.viaero.com/tech/4g-vs.-5g-technology-whats-the-difference) 1 Comment [Click here to read/write comments](https://blog.viaero.com/tech/4g-vs.-5g-technology-whats-the-difference#comments-listing) Topics: [Technology](https://blog.viaero.com/tech/topic/technology), [wireless](https://blog.viaero.com/tech/topic/wireless), [5G](https://blog.viaero.com/tech/topic/5g), [4G](https://blog.viaero.com/tech/topic/4g), [cellular](https://blog.viaero.com/tech/topic/cellular) ## [What is the Purpose of a Restocking Fee?](https://blog.viaero.com/tech/what-is-the-purpose-of-a-restocking-fee) Posted by [Helen Akers](https://blog.viaero.com/tech/author/helen-akers) on Jun 29, 2021 4:14:22 PM - [Tweet](https://twitter.com/share) [![](https://blog.viaero.com/hubfs/restock-fee-blog-banner.jpg)](https://blog.viaero.com/tech/what-is-the-purpose-of-a-restocking-fee) If you’ve ever returned a high-ticket item like a TV or video game console, the seller may have charged you a restocking fee. According to [Consumer Reports](https://www.consumerreports.org/cro/2014/07/how-to-get-a-full-refund-and-and-not-be-charged-a-restocking-fee-when-you-make-a-return-to-a-store/index.htm), restocking fees typically represent 15% to 20% of the item’s original purchase price. However, some companies may charge more or less depending upon individual policies. [Read More](https://blog.viaero.com/tech/what-is-the-purpose-of-a-restocking-fee) 1 Comment [Click here to read/write comments](https://blog.viaero.com/tech/what-is-the-purpose-of-a-restocking-fee#comments-listing) Topics: [wireless](https://blog.viaero.com/tech/topic/wireless), [restocking fees](https://blog.viaero.com/tech/topic/restocking-fees) ## [Consumer Data Privacy in a Networked World](https://blog.viaero.com/tech/consumer-data-privacy-in-a-networked-world) Posted by [Helen Akers](https://blog.viaero.com/tech/author/helen-akers) on Apr 20, 2021 11:26:10 AM - [Tweet](https://twitter.com/share) [![](https://blog.viaero.com/hubfs/consumer-privacy-blog-banner.jpg)](https://blog.viaero.com/tech/consumer-data-privacy-in-a-networked-world) From smart devices to store loyalty programs, nearly every transaction we complete and interaction we have can be tracked. To make things more complex, it’s not just the companies and organizations we interact with that track our data. Large brokers that collect and re-sell information stay busy [gathering data on more than 500 million consumers around the globe](https://www.webfx.com/blog/internet/what-are-data-brokers-and-what-is-your-data-worth-infographic/). [Read More](https://blog.viaero.com/tech/consumer-data-privacy-in-a-networked-world) 0 Comments [Click here to read/write comments](https://blog.viaero.com/tech/consumer-data-privacy-in-a-networked-world#comments-listing) Topics: [internet](https://blog.viaero.com/tech/topic/internet), [cybersecurity](https://blog.viaero.com/tech/topic/cybersecurity), [consumer data](https://blog.viaero.com/tech/topic/consumer-data), [privacy](https://blog.viaero.com/tech/topic/privacy) ## [Why 4G LTE Will Remain Relevant in the Face of 5G](https://blog.viaero.com/tech/why-4g-lte-will-remain-relevant-in-the-face-of-5g) Posted by [Helen Akers](https://blog.viaero.com/tech/author/helen-akers) on Apr 9, 2021 1:14:48 PM - [Tweet](https://twitter.com/share) [![](https://blog.viaero.com/hubfs/4g-5g-blog-pic-1.jpg)](https://blog.viaero.com/tech/why-4g-lte-will-remain-relevant-in-the-face-of-5g) From conspiracy theories to the possibility of self-driving cars, 5G continues to inspire both controversy and intrigue. While many major U.S. carriers are promoting 5G networks, this doesn’t mean that 4G networks have been or are going to be completely replaced soon. While 5G can deliver faster speeds, fewer delays, and higher capacities, these networks will continue to rely on and run alongside 4G LTE technology. [Read More](https://blog.viaero.com/tech/why-4g-lte-will-remain-relevant-in-the-face-of-5g) 0 Comments [Click here to read/write comments](https://blog.viaero.com/tech/why-4g-lte-will-remain-relevant-in-the-face-of-5g#comments-listing) Topics: [smartphone](https://blog.viaero.com/tech/topic/smartphone), [wireless](https://blog.viaero.com/tech/topic/wireless), [5G](https://blog.viaero.com/tech/topic/5g), [mobile](https://blog.viaero.com/tech/topic/mobile), [4G](https://blog.viaero.com/tech/topic/4g) ## [Learn the Basics of Visual Voicemail](https://blog.viaero.com/tech/learn-the-basics-of-visual-voicemail) Posted by [Helen Akers](https://blog.viaero.com/tech/author/helen-akers) on Mar 18, 2021 10:26:24 AM - [Tweet](https://twitter.com/share) [![Visual Voicemail Basics](https://blog.viaero.com/hubfs/VMail-blog-2-banner.jpg)](https://blog.viaero.com/tech/learn-the-basics-of-visual-voicemail) In one of our [previous blogs](https://blog.viaero.com/tech/visual-voicemail-for-smartphone-users), we covered some of the basics of visual voicemail for smartphones. Visual voicemail lets you look at and listen to your voicemails from an app, rather than having to call from your phone. One of the conveniences of visual voicemail is that messages from known telemarketers and spam callers can be deleted. You don’t have to suffer through hearing a robocall recording or voice message about an expired car warranty. This post will explore more of the advantages of visual voicemail, how to set it up on different smartphones, and how to use [Viaero’s Vmail](https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.innovsys.viaerovmail). [Read More](https://blog.viaero.com/tech/learn-the-basics-of-visual-voicemail) 4 Comments [Click here to read/write comments](https://blog.viaero.com/tech/learn-the-basics-of-visual-voicemail#comments-listing) Topics: [smartphone](https://blog.viaero.com/tech/topic/smartphone), [mobile](https://blog.viaero.com/tech/topic/mobile), [visual voicemail](https://blog.viaero.com/tech/topic/visual-voicemail) ## [What You Need to Know About Malicious Mobile Apps](https://blog.viaero.com/tech/what-you-need-to-know-about-malicious-mobile-apps) Posted by [Helen Akers](https://blog.viaero.com/tech/author/helen-akers) on Sep 3, 2020 12:29:24 PM - [Tweet](https://twitter.com/share) [![](https://blog.viaero.com/hubfs/bad-apps-2.jpg)](https://blog.viaero.com/tech/what-you-need-to-know-about-malicious-mobile-apps) The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) reports that in one year alone, $57 million was lost through phishing schemes. Many hackers manipulate email, smartphone apps, online ads, and web browsers to gain access to sensitive data. Although mobile phones and apps can be convenient ways to get things done, communicate, and be entertained, they can also come with security risks. Most recently, the popular social media app Tik Tok has come under fire for its questionable practices. [Read More](https://blog.viaero.com/tech/what-you-need-to-know-about-malicious-mobile-apps) 1 Comment [Click here to read/write comments](https://blog.viaero.com/tech/what-you-need-to-know-about-malicious-mobile-apps#comments-listing) Topics: [security](https://blog.viaero.com/tech/topic/security), [apps](https://blog.viaero.com/tech/topic/apps), [mobile](https://blog.viaero.com/tech/topic/mobile), [malicious](https://blog.viaero.com/tech/topic/malicious) ## [Which Unlimited Data Plan is Best: Prepaid or Contract?](https://blog.viaero.com/tech/which-unlimited-data-plan-is-best-prepaid-or-contract) Posted by [Helen Akers](https://blog.viaero.com/tech/author/helen-akers) on Aug 12, 2020 3:45:44 PM - [Tweet](https://twitter.com/share) [![](https://blog.viaero.com/hubfs/pre-v-contract-blog-banner.jpg)](https://blog.viaero.com/tech/which-unlimited-data-plan-is-best-prepaid-or-contract) Most wireless carriers offer multiple unlimited plans, making it difficult to determine which one is the best for your needs. Even prepaid and contract-based unlimited plans are becoming more difficult to distinguish. It’s easy for unlimited plans to look the same between carriers and within an individual wireless provider’s offers. [Read More](https://blog.viaero.com/tech/which-unlimited-data-plan-is-best-prepaid-or-contract) 0 Comments [Click here to read/write comments](https://blog.viaero.com/tech/which-unlimited-data-plan-is-best-prepaid-or-contract#comments-listing) Topics: [data](https://blog.viaero.com/tech/topic/data), [wireless](https://blog.viaero.com/tech/topic/wireless), [contract](https://blog.viaero.com/tech/topic/contract), [unlimited](https://blog.viaero.com/tech/topic/unlimited), [prepaid](https://blog.viaero.com/tech/topic/prepaid) ## [Why Tablets Continue to Appeal to Kids and Adults](https://blog.viaero.com/tech/why-tablets-continue-to-appeal-to-kids-and-adults) Posted by [Helen Akers](https://blog.viaero.com/tech/author/helen-akers) on Jul 23, 2020 2:36:36 PM - [Tweet](https://twitter.com/share) [![](https://blog.viaero.com/hubfs/tablet-2020-blog-banner.jpg)](https://blog.viaero.com/tech/why-tablets-continue-to-appeal-to-kids-and-adults) Tablets share similarities with laptops, desktops, and smartphones. The first release of the iPad in 2010 created initial excitement, but that enthusiasm has waned as smartphone screens have become larger and 2-in-1 laptops have gained ground. [Read More](https://blog.viaero.com/tech/why-tablets-continue-to-appeal-to-kids-and-adults) 0 Comments [Click here to read/write comments](https://blog.viaero.com/tech/why-tablets-continue-to-appeal-to-kids-and-adults#comments-listing) Topics: [tablets](https://blog.viaero.com/tech/topic/tablets), [wireless](https://blog.viaero.com/tech/topic/wireless), [remote learning](https://blog.viaero.com/tech/topic/remote-learning) [All posts](https://blog.viaero.com/tech/all) [Next](https://blog.viaero.com/tech/author/helen-akers/page/2) ### Subscribe to Email Updates ### Recent Posts ### Posts by Topic - [Technology (33)](https://blog.viaero.com/tech/topic/technology) - [cell phones (20)](https://blog.viaero.com/tech/topic/cell-phones) - [smartphone (20)](https://blog.viaero.com/tech/topic/smartphone) - [wireless (16)](https://blog.viaero.com/tech/topic/wireless) - [internet (11)](https://blog.viaero.com/tech/topic/internet) - [mobile (9)](https://blog.viaero.com/tech/topic/mobile) - [data (7)](https://blog.viaero.com/tech/topic/data) - [tablets (7)](https://blog.viaero.com/tech/topic/tablets) - [apps (6)](https://blog.viaero.com/tech/topic/apps) - [security (6)](https://blog.viaero.com/tech/topic/security) - [streaming (4)](https://blog.viaero.com/tech/topic/streaming) - [home (3)](https://blog.viaero.com/tech/topic/home) - [tv (3)](https://blog.viaero.com/tech/topic/tv) - [4G (2)](https://blog.viaero.com/tech/topic/4g) - [5G (2)](https://blog.viaero.com/tech/topic/5g) - [Sling TV (2)](https://blog.viaero.com/tech/topic/sling-tv) - [cellular (2)](https://blog.viaero.com/tech/topic/cellular) - [communications (2)](https://blog.viaero.com/tech/topic/communications) - [contract (2)](https://blog.viaero.com/tech/topic/contract) - [cybersecurity (2)](https://blog.viaero.com/tech/topic/cybersecurity) - [entertainment (2)](https://blog.viaero.com/tech/topic/entertainment) - [rural (2)](https://blog.viaero.com/tech/topic/rural) - [unlimited (2)](https://blog.viaero.com/tech/topic/unlimited) - [Gen X (1)](https://blog.viaero.com/tech/topic/gen-x) - [agriculture (1)](https://blog.viaero.com/tech/topic/agriculture) - [artificial intelligence (1)](https://blog.viaero.com/tech/topic/artificial-intelligence) - [business (1)](https://blog.viaero.com/tech/topic/business) - [carrier (1)](https://blog.viaero.com/tech/topic/carrier) - [cellphone service (1)](https://blog.viaero.com/tech/topic/cellphone-service) - [cloud (1)](https://blog.viaero.com/tech/topic/cloud) - [community (1)](https://blog.viaero.com/tech/topic/community) - [consumer data (1)](https://blog.viaero.com/tech/topic/consumer-data) - [cord cutting (1)](https://blog.viaero.com/tech/topic/cord-cutting) - [dogs (1)](https://blog.viaero.com/tech/topic/dogs) - [first responders (1)](https://blog.viaero.com/tech/topic/first-responders) - [high speed (1)](https://blog.viaero.com/tech/topic/high-speed) - [history (1)](https://blog.viaero.com/tech/topic/history) - [malicious (1)](https://blog.viaero.com/tech/topic/malicious) - [movie theater (1)](https://blog.viaero.com/tech/topic/movie-theater) - [movies (1)](https://blog.viaero.com/tech/topic/movies) - [mulit-generation (1)](https://blog.viaero.com/tech/topic/mulit-generation) - [prepaid (1)](https://blog.viaero.com/tech/topic/prepaid) - [price (1)](https://blog.viaero.com/tech/topic/price) - [privacy (1)](https://blog.viaero.com/tech/topic/privacy) - [remote learning (1)](https://blog.viaero.com/tech/topic/remote-learning) - [restocking fees (1)](https://blog.viaero.com/tech/topic/restocking-fees) - [robot (1)](https://blog.viaero.com/tech/topic/robot) - [senior citizens (1)](https://blog.viaero.com/tech/topic/senior-citizens) - [shopping (1)](https://blog.viaero.com/tech/topic/shopping) - [sports (1)](https://blog.viaero.com/tech/topic/sports) - [storage (1)](https://blog.viaero.com/tech/topic/storage) - [visual voicemail (1)](https://blog.viaero.com/tech/topic/visual-voicemail) - [wifi (1)](https://blog.viaero.com/tech/topic/wifi) see all [![Viaero Wireless Logo](https://blog.viaero.com/hubfs/Viaero_March2018%20Theme/images/viaero-logo3609e0925fa06ab09c57ff07008bad5b.png)](https://www.viaero.com/) Copyright © 2021 Viaero Wireless All Rights Reserved