Mobile Phone Contract = Data

Ms_Chocaholic

Hi
I'm going to be re-negotiating my mobile phone contract for my DS in the next week or so and I haven't a clue what the different data packages are, ie they will give you some many MB/GB data but then wifi etc, can someone please explain in the simplest way possible.

Thank you
Ms C x

buscape

The limits they give you (usually 100MB, 250MB, 500MB, 750MB, 1GB) are for when the phone is using the internet via 3G.

The Wifi they give you will be used when connecting to a wifi hotspot (usually BT Openzone) when out and about in public places.

Find out how much data has actually been used over the last 12-18 months and try to get that amount with a safety net to avoid extra charges. For example, if an average of 500MB has been used over the last 12-18 months, get 750MB so you have a margin of safety.

Remember, if your network can't give you want you want at the lowest price, another network will, it always pays to shop around.

latecomer

The only other thing to add is that you can obviously use free Wifi and Wifi at home which doesn't come out of any allowances from the networks.

Earthworm

Its easier to answer this if we know what phone you are looking to get as well as what you would like to be able to do on the handset. For example, 100mb which is a very basic allowance would cover email and that is about it. 250mb works for a lot of basic browsers who just want to do the odd google search or check their Facebook. 500mb is the general amount given and is generally is the lowest a lot of people will settle for. 1gb is a good allowance for someone who doesn't have to worry about their allowances too much. Make sure whatever you choose you know your options to move up and make sure you know what charges are involved for going over. If you link the phone up to your home WiFi I personally find 500mb easy to manage so i see it as a must.

Just be sure to establish ways of monitoring usage and don't restrict yourself to heavily to a low amount if you're getting an expensive phone like an iPhone or Android handset.

Hope this helps

jenniewb

A data calculator which could help you work out what you need here:
http://www.att.com/standalone/data-calculator/