Monthly Data Allowance Query

Smithers-Jones

Hey all,

I'm about to purchase my first smartphone on contract and i have a query re the amount of data allowance for internet useage offered by the networks.

The 2 deals i've got my eye on (with dialaphone) have either a 250MB or 500MB monthly limit. The deal I'm very tempted with only has a monthly data limit of 250MB but contains more minutes / texts. However, I'm concerned that i may get hit with charges if exceed the 250MB data allowance limits.

I'd only really use the mobile internet for web browsing (Facebook, eBay, various forums, BBC / Sky news and sports etc). I dont intend to download music, watch videos or iPlayer etc. In addition, when at home / work and prefer to use the wifi option rather than the 3G networks.

Can anyone confirm whether the 250MB would be sufficient?

Thanks in advance.

in_the_Cotswolds

Depends what phone you are thinking of getting. Some can be more data hungry than others i.e. iPhone.

I have a Blackberry Torch and 500mb is fine. I'm connected to the internet 24/7/365 for emails and have never gone over my allowance even with browsing.

Smithers-Jones

mechanic wrote: »

Depends what phone you are thinking of getting. Some can be more data hungry than others i.e. iPhone.

I have a Blackberry Torch and 500mb is fine. I'm connected to the internet 24/7/365 for emails and have never gone over my allowance even with browsing.

It's the HTC Desire on either Orange or O2.

Mezzo

If it helps, I have an iPhone and have only used 400mb since my last reset on Jan 21st.
I also use wifi both at home and work, and have fairly similar usage to the OP. If you're not going to stream loads of video and music I think you'd be fine.

MisterBrico

I have an iPhone and have used 450mb since September, wifi at home and work.

General browsing, emails and Facebook is no problem.

Just wait till you get home to download/update apps etc.

Guys_Dad

The trouble with Smartphones is that when you discover all the apps, you get tempted to download them then use them. I now have sat nav on my phone and I have used it and that eats a bit of data.

Then you have google maps etc and other delights.

You need to download a data counter widget and that should keep an eye on your usage for you so if you do start approaching your 250mb, you can keep it in check or increase your data contract.

But check the cost per Mb of going over and keep away from it. As suggested, always connect wirelessly at home.

MissKeith

Even with using Wi-fi at home and at work, I still use 300 mb most months. I would advise to avoid a small data package even if it is cheap, if you go over you'll regret not paying out a little more for a more sufficient tariff.

Gordon_Hose

I have an iPhone and use Facebook, email, weather, maps, online banking etc and never use more than 10% of my 500Mb monthly allowance.

I downloaded the MyDataUsage app from the store a few months ago to make sure I stayed within my limit, which I do easily every month, and with 6 days left until I get a bill I've used 9Mb.

To put it in persepctive; on Wifi (which I use more of at home if I can't be bothered to fire up my laptop) I've used 261.2Mb.

ruggedtoast

250mb is nothing. You will need more unless you rarely connect to the internet over the network.

Snakeeyes21

Im really shocked by how little people are using in this thread, I have a 3gb limit on 3 and a good proportion of that gets used up in a month, plus i connect to wifi when i can

Its not like I have my phone glued to my hand 24/7 either :eek:

loulou123

I am in my 1st month of having a HTC desire (with unlimited internet) and i have already used over 300mb of data - in 10 days! :eek:

I have mostly used wifi to download apps, but have watched quite a few clips on utube etc and have a lot of apps that can download info when they want.

Google maps and sat nav also eats data very quickly.

Whereas on my old BB i had 2GB a month and the amount would barely even drop.