You cannot access the Internet from Tails until you are connected to Tor. For example, *Tor Browser* displays the error message `Proxy server refusing connections` until you are connected to Tor.
<p>Because Tor routes your Internet traffic through 3 relays before reaching its destination, the connection is slower than when you are not using Tor.</p>
Using a public Tor relay as your first Tor relay makes it clear to your local network that you are connecting to Tor, while still keeping your online activity secure and anonymous.