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MSE Poll: How much data do you use on your mobile?

Poll started 12 January 2021
Smartphones are an essential part of everyday life for many, with streaming, gaming, social networking and more all increasingly done on data-hungry mobiles. But with the pandemic leading many to spend more time at home (often on Wi-Fi), we want to see how much mobile data you now go through in a month.

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Comments

  • I don't know how much data I use simply because, now I can't leave home, I use my mobile phone with my BT home Broadband on WiFi which has unlimited data so BT won't tell me how much I'm using. Very frustrating. 
  • I used to use less than 5g per month (mostly streaming music at work). But I got a great deal on a sim only this time last year for 100g for £20. And since lockdown I now use my data at home instead of the WiFi as its better and more reliable. There are so many devices connected to the WiFi it can be poor. 
  • The only time I ever use data is if I get lost somewhere with no wifi and have to briefly turn Google maps on to find out where I am! I've never really understood what the incentive is to pay extra for those unlimited data deals - I'm actually quite curious about what people use them for (maybe people who are on the road a lot?)
  • jbrassy
    jbrassy Posts: 1,018 Forumite
    Seventh Anniversary 500 Posts Name Dropper
    edited 13 January 2021 at 11:59PM
    I have a phone contract which has up to 100GB data per month, but at the moment I'm using between 5-10GB because I'm WFH all the time and connected to the wi-fi. In normal times, I would use 10GB+ as I use 4G when out and about and in the office (I don't really want to use my employer's wi-fi and have them know what I look at on the internet). 

    Although I don't fully utilise my 100GB monthly allowance, I still value having such a high limit. During the lockdown while WFH, there have been occasions when my Virgin wi-fi has stopped working (sometimes for a few days) and I've had to tether off my phone to ensure I can carry on working. Therefore, I view having a large allowance as a safety net in case my home broadband stops working. 
  • cymruchris
    cymruchris Posts: 5,559 Forumite
    Eighth Anniversary 1,000 Posts Name Dropper Photogenic
    A missed opportunity on this poll - if they could have added one more question - 'How much data are you contracted/pay for?' - Would have been interesting to see what people pay for in comparison to what they actually use.

    I have a deal with O2 for £20 a month that gives me 150GB of data a month - but I rarely use more than 10gb. 

    I imagine there'll be some that use all of their allowance monthly - but it may be that the majority don't use what they pay for?

    I'm not bothered at £20 a month - and at 150gb I don't even have to worry about getting close to that kind of usage. 
  • hugheskevi
    hugheskevi Posts: 4,471 Forumite
    Part of the Furniture 1,000 Posts Photogenic Name Dropper
    edited 14 January 2021 at 2:36PM
    A missed opportunity on this poll - if they could have added one more question - 'How much data are you contracted/pay for?' - Would have been interesting to see what people pay for in comparison to what they actually use.
    I have an older Smarty tariff, that notionally gives me 8GB a month for £13. I have never used more than 1.8 GB (going back to 2018).
    However, the tariff gives refunds for unused data, so the most I have ever paid is £7.26 (the least was £5.12). The tariff is effectively pay-as-you-go without any need to top-up due to the refund system. The 8 GB figure is irrelevant, as all data is charged at the same rate. In practice, it usually costs me £6 for 1GB of data, give or take a bit depending on exact usage.
    My wife pays £8 for 5 GB and uses very little most of the time - although her use was much higher until she connected to her work wi-fi.
    I find between home wi-fi, work wi-fi and hotel wi-fi there is very little need for data. I use it for navigation in car and when running for music. In more normal times I would use a small amount doing work on trains when travelling for work (occasional), but as that is mostly just e-mail it is almost irrelevant.
  • 203846930
    203846930 Posts: 4,708 Forumite
    1,000 Posts Second Anniversary Name Dropper Photogenic
    Still the same as last time - None, I don't have a data capable phone. (refuse to call them smart)
  • Marvel1
    Marvel1 Posts: 7,428 Forumite
    Part of the Furniture 1,000 Posts Name Dropper
    edited 14 January 2021 at 6:01PM
    No more than 2GB - hence I go for the cheapest sim deal.
  • jackieblack
    jackieblack Posts: 10,490 Forumite
    Part of the Furniture 10,000 Posts Name Dropper Photogenic
    I’ve just checked and I’ve used 359MB of my 10GB allowance with a week of this month left. 
    2.22kWp Solar PV system installed Oct 2010, Fronius IG20 Inverter, south facing (-5 deg), 30 degree pitch, no shading
    Everything will be alright in the end so, if it’s not yet alright, it means it’s not yet the end
    MFW #4 OPs: 2018 £866.89, 2019 £1322.33, 2020 £1337.07
    2021 £1250.00, 2022 £1500.00, 2023 £1500, 2024 £1350
    2025 target = £1200, YTD £690
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  • Ectophile
    Ectophile Posts: 7,938 Forumite
    Part of the Furniture 1,000 Posts Photogenic Name Dropper
    So far 0MB.  I only got a smartphone last week (before that it was a little Nokia).  I get a massive 210MB/week allowance, so I have been doing everything on the home WiFi.
    If it sticks, force it.
    If it breaks, well it wasn't working right anyway.
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