WhatsApp - Any Cost in Data Allowance?

Leodogger

Hi there

I am thinking of changing my mobile as I use PAYG and am sending a lot of texts to Spain since my daughter moved there a month ago and it seems to be costing me a fortune !

My friend said to change my phone to a smartphone and then I can send texts free of charge using the wifi on it. I enquired at Carphonewarehouse and they said the text "charge" comes out of your data allowance off the PAYG, so presumably there is a charge ???

Can someone explain to me the cost savings, as I only use my phone for texting mainly with the occasional 2 minute phone call thrown in and wondered if it would be better to change to a small cost contract with loads of free texts, or just do as my friend has done and buy a cheap Smartphone. I am an OAP on a budget

I have an old Sony Ericsson K800i mobile and would need to swap to a smartphone with Orange network and an SD Microcard slot for all my photos. I was looking at the Nokia Asha 210 with Qwerty keyboard as a possibility. Any advice would be appreciated.

TIA

grumbler

Yes, whatsapp uses mobile data unless the phone is connected to WiFi.
Your daughter in Spain needs a smartphone and data connection too to receive texts.

Nokia Asha 210 isn't a proper 'smartphone' and isn't the best phone for this as it's 2g only, but it can possibly do the job (IF WhatsApp is available for it) and it does have WiFi and is unlikely to use mobile data spontaneously like most real smartphones do.

You don't need a lot of mobile data, but the cost depends on the number of minutes and texts you need. Realistic sim-only or PAYG prices start from ~£8 p.m.

Does she have a landline number over there? Can you call instead of texting?

macman

CPW are talking nonsense, Texts come out of your text allowance (if you have a PAYG bundle), or as a straight per text charge if not. You can't send them via wi-fi. If your daughter is roaming on a UK SIM then the texts will cost you the same as they cost here in the UK, and cost her nothing.
Whatsapp will cost you nothing if used when connected to wi-fi, but if sent via 3G will come out of your data allowance.
The Nokia/Symbian version of Whatsapp version is fairly dire, my wife has it but it is very slow and clunky compared to Android.

grumbler

macman wrote: »

CPW are talking nonsense, Texts come out of your text allowance (if you have a PAYG bundle), or as a straight per text charge if not. You can't send them via wi-fi.

The 'texts' in question were WhatsApp texts.

DCFC79

Yes its free to use as long as you use wifi at home, I use Whatsapp, Telegram and used to use Viber and not 1 app uses/used my data allowance.

Im guessing the CPW staff member didnt understand the question.

grumbler

I missed the bit that the OP asked CPW about wifi

Leodogger

grumbler wrote: »

Yes, whatsapp uses mobile data unless the phone is connected to WiFi.
Your daughter in Spain needs a smartphone and data connection too to receive texts.

Nokia Asha 210 isn't a proper 'smartphone' and isn't the best phone for this as it's 2g only, but it can possibly do the job (IF WhatsApp is available for it) and it does have WiFi and is unlikely to use mobile data spontaneously like most real smartphones do.

You don't need a lot of mobile data, but the cost depends on the number of minutes and texts you need. Realistic sim-only or PAYG prices start from ~£8 p.m.

Does she have a landline number over there? Can you call instead of texting?

No my daughter is in temporary accommodation at the moment but is hoping eventually to move to a more permanent place. However all I really want is a cheap way to text and for her to receive it. She has a smart phone I believe as she can go on the net with it and sends and receives email on it too.

Which smart phones offer a Qwerty keyboard and the use of these Apps for not too much money ?

NFH

You might want to try Viber instead. It's very similar to WhatsApp but it's totally free and there's also a PC version, so you don't need a smartphone. Viber also offers phone calls like Skype, although that's not what you need it for.

NiftyDigits

It doesn't matter how many texts are included in your contract, as they are only for use within the UK.
I use my Blackberry for such things. Pay £3 per month for unlimited messaging including pictures and video.
But you'd need to find a cheap Blackberry.

Rev

NFH wrote: »

You might want to try Viber instead. It's very similar to WhatsApp but it's totally free and there's also a PC version, so you don't need a smartphone. Viber also offers phone calls like Skype, although that's not what you need it for.

If you use viber you still need data just as you would with whatsapp. So it's not totally free.


If you both have a smartphone there's plenty of apps that you can use. Whatsapp, viber, Skype, yak, BBM, kik to name a few.


They work using data. Either wifi or mobile data.


Both of you will need the app installed. You don't sent a text to a number you use a username or pin.


If you have wifi at home it won't cost you anything. If you use it out and about it will use small amount of data (unless you start sending large photos or video files). So you'll need a data bolt on.


The Moto g would suit your needs and cost around £100.

grumbler

Rev wrote: »

The Moto g would suit your needs and cost around £100.

Moto E is cheaper and will suit the needs either.
Neither has a physical keyboard though - like most modern smartphones.