The system was shut down on April 20 2011. The system will "will shortly begin a phased restoration by region of PlayStation®Network and Qriocity™ services, beginning with gaming, music and video services to be turned on. The company also announced both a series of immediate steps to enhance security across the network and a new customer appreciation program to thank its customers for their patience and loyalty." see related questions
If you have internet service and a means to connect the PS3 to that service the PS3 has the ability to go online
You do not get online with a PS3 you must purchase online from an internet service provider and then depending on the service purchase a WiFi router or an ethernet cable to connect the PS3 to the internet.
No the PlayStation network is free when you have internet service
You must subscribe to an internet service and have WiFi modem or router or connect an ethernet cable to your PS3 from a router or a Modem with internet service
PS3 uses Playstation Network (PSN) which is free, you still need to pay for your internet service
The online network for PlayStation is completely free. You must already have internet service
The PS3 will not be able to play the PS4. They both are on the Playstation Network (PSN) and Playstation Plus will work for both of them as it does for the PS Vita and PS3
All the ads showing features for the PS3 state Online connectivity requires broadband internet service and network devices such as a DSL or cable modem. Most people who have this also require a router and an ethernet cable or a wireless router to allow connection of more than one device to there internet service. Once the PS3 is connected with an ethernet cable or you have a wireless router then they are no additional charges for using the PS3 besides the cost you have already paid to set up the PS3 for internet service and whatever charge you pay for your internet service.
First you have a PS3 set up to a TV. Then you have an internet service. Then you purchase devices to allow the PS3 to connect to the internet like WiFi routers or Modems or an ethernet cable and a router or modem to connect it to. Then you go to the settings menu of the PS3 for internet connect and complete the set up for an internet connection. Without internet service and connection devices an online connection is not possible. The PS3 has WiFi which only means that it can connect to your WiFi internet service that you have set up. it does not mean you get an internet connection without having access to an internet service
No you need broadband internet service and network devices like the PS3 ads say. see related link
Yes all PS3 consoles except 20 GB have WiFi and can go online if they are connected to an internet service. All the ads showing features for the PS3 state Online connectivity requires broadband internet service and network devices such as a DSL or cable modem. Most people who have this also require a router and an ethernet cable or a wireless router to allow connection of more than one device to there internet service.
You get online on the PS3 by having an internet service provider for broadband cable or DSL and the modem or router to allow WiFi or Ethernet connection to your PS3. Then you use the XMB PS3 settings for network connections to complete the internet connection