Mobile data fault = huge costs - Help?!

ItchieFeet

I would really appreciate some advice. I am only just out of contract with Vodafone, (who I have been with for over 12 years, I've never been with another mobile provider).

In the 12mths from Mar-13 to Feb-14, my average bill was £45.12 per month.

Then my Mar-14 bill was £104, Apr-14 was £128.29 and May-14 was £132.07 = average of £121.43.

At first I thought this was because I was out of contract, but have since been assured that the price plan continues until you choose another.

Apparently the cost increases are due to my phone using way more data than my price plan allows for - around 4GB rather than 750MB. However, I have not changed my usage habits and both my home and work have wi-fi. I have looked at my bill and there are data charges in the middle of the night when I was asleep at home!

I always close my apps down too.

I first went into a Vodafone store, to be told I had to call Customer Services. I have since called Vodafone a bunch of times and been promised reports, diagnostics, call backs, etc - but each time I have had to call them up to chase.

After another huge bill this week, I called up and for the FIRST time, someone explained to me how to turn off Mobile Data - meaning that the phone cannot use data when not connected to wif-fi.

I have been to Apple and was told that because my iPhone 4S had older software on it, they can tell me that I have used the data, but not for what, when or how.

Vodafone replaced my SIM card today to see if that resolves the issue.

Vodafone have offered me a £65 credit, which originally I refused, but now have had to accept, because I cant afford these huge bills.

Vodafone are adamant that I have chosen to use this much data and therefore, have to pay it and will not get any further refund.

Is there anything else I can do?

My only alternative seems to be to wait until I get the credit and then request a PAC code and move to another provider!

Any advice would be greatfully received.

Buzby

Sadly, you used the data - or more properly, the apps you chose to install did. Individually it doesn't amount to much, but aggregated it certainly does.

Even apps that have no overt need for a data connection (a calculator say) if free and it has adverts, the adverts are refreshed and updated on an ongoing basis whether you look at them or not. I use an app the monitors my data usage and tells me when I get close to my monthly limit, so I can then shut it off until the new allowance starts.

Just because you were unaware is no reason for the bill not to be paid and their goodwill gesture would be the best offer you get. Just as if the phone was stolen and someone else used it to call Nigeria, it remains your responsibility to take the appropriate precautions. I do hope you have a PIN and SIM lock set too?

Moving to a different provider solves nothing - except perhaps give cheaper data. If you use it, you pay.

The only fault, was in your understanding and lack of monitoring of use. Get a proper app that does this for you.

JJ_Egan

Mobile data is something that you use of your own choice . Either from downloading or you having the wrong settings on the phone .

Multiple identical posts on the exact same subject on the board .
Usual is user has mobile data turned on and software/ apps are updating .
That is the users choice/ ignorance of how to use a product .

Closing app does not turn off updating that app .

If you take the offer and move provider you are going to use mobile data with potential high bills until you learn how to use the phone .

Personally i think you are lucky to get a partial refund on data you have used and would accept .then decide what network you want to go with and what sort of plan or go Giffgaff or similar PAYG.

ZhugeEX

The above posts are 100% correct. So that leads to another question.

Why haven't you changed your plan/network yet? Don't be brand loyal just because you've been with Voda for 12 years. Move to a different network such as Three or Virgin who can give unlimited data for under £20 a month.

Why even pay £45 a month on Vodafone when you're out of contract.

Herongull

If your phone has been guzzling data outside your allowance then you need to pay for it

But why are you paying £45 normally? No one pays this much on sim only?

Port out to a PAYG provider. For example with Lyca mobile you get 500 mins, unlimited texts, unlimited data, and unlimited free calls within network for £12 per month. If don't need this much you can get cheaper bundles.

The monthly savings will soon offset your recent data bill. With PAYG there is no risk of shock bills in future.

Im_just_careful

Use the time until you get your refund to get your phone unlocked by Vodafone.


If you like their coverage if not the cost then consider Sainsbury Mobile.

ItchieFeet

Thankyou for your helpful posts.

I'm mostly cross because Vodafone led me to believe that there was a fault with the phone itself, rather than 'ignorance' as to mobile data. If they had told me how to turn off mobile data in the first call, then I would only have had one huge bill, not three.

I also don't understand why this would suddenly happen out of the blue, when nothing else has changed?

I'll be taking your advice on unlocking the phone and switching to a PAYG option.

Thanks again.

jblessing

If it is an Android phone, select menu from the home screen, settings, data usage, you can see what has been using all the data.

I had a similar issue, the culprit was Google+, despite me setting the option to only do "photo backup" on wifi, it did it regardless, using all my data allowance in a few days. So I disabled it (menu, application manager, uninstall updates then disable it)

gycraig_2

ItchieFeet wrote: »

Thankyou for your helpful posts.

I'm mostly cross because Vodafone led me to believe that there was a fault with the phone itself, rather than 'ignorance' as to mobile data. If they had told me how to turn off mobile data in the first call, then I would only have had one huge bill, not three.

I also don't understand why this would suddenly happen out of the blue, when nothing else has changed?

I'll be taking your advice on unlocking the phone and switching to a PAYG option.

Thanks again.

My guess would be there's a app on your phone downloading random crap or updating far to much. I would back all data except apps to iTunes, wipe the phone and restore without the apps.

Id recommend ee if your leaving Vodafone. 4g and capped.

Vodafone sent my dad a huge bill years and years ago he argued he hadn't used it but paid. Turned phone off for a month and got a massive bill. Sent phone back and refused to pays

SuperAllyB

ItchieFeet wrote: »

...

I also don't understand why this would suddenly happen out of the blue, when nothing else has changed?

...

Total stab in the dark, but is it possible that you have started switching your router off at night?

chanz4

facebook app was killing my data usage