Lebara daily mobile data usage calculations - is it calculated fairly?

MoneyPot123

I switched from AsdaMobile to Lebara in March 2025 (via the MSE Exclusive 10GB offer). My actual mobile data usage is low. The AsdaMobile calculations re my mobile data usage were always easy to verify. However, Lebara's calculations are much higher for similar usage and I find them difficult to work out. According to the Internet Gods, "Lebara calculates data usage by measuring the amount of data that travels over their network rather than just the data your device consumes." 

If this is the case then how would Lebara calculate individual mobile data usage? Many thanks.

flaneurs_lobster

Are you disputing Lebara's usage figures against your own? 

The mobile data consumption of your device can be found in your phone's settings, usually on a monthly basis. This would be the only other figure you could compare with Lebara's. 

There will be a difference, I believe the phone might not record "handshaking" data while the network will do so.

Others will be more teched-up than me on other reasons for differences.

reddwarf2002

I've also read other people say data usage on Lebara is higher than their previous network. I wonder if that is due to apps using data on higher settings/uncompressed on Lebara due to some technical reason? 

MoneyPot123

Yes, that has been my experience since switching from AsdaMobile to Lebara. I live in a rural area. I also use my phone at what I would think would be regarded as 'quiet times' in terms of actual data usage (e.g. 01.00 - 3.00am). I use YouTube's data usage reminder e.g. I'm notified when I've used 200MB. Lebara's calculations come in at a much higher rate of 350 - 400MB used for the same usage. 

Trying to get the info from Lebara as to their actual figures/data usage calulations from their so-called Customer care is beyond a joke. This is why I posted on MSE to gauge other people's experience. 

reddwarf2002

MoneyPot123 said:

Yes, that has been my experience since switching from AsdaMobile to Lebara. I live in a rural area. I also use my phone at what I would think would be regarded as 'quiet times' in terms of actual data usage (e.g. 01.00 - 3.00am). I use YouTube's data usage reminder e.g. I'm notified when I've used 200MB. Lebara's calculations come in at a much higher rate of 350 - 400MB used for the same usage. 

Trying to get the info from Lebara as to their actual figures/data usage calulations from their so-called Customer care is beyond a joke. This is why I posted on MSE to gauge other people's experience. 

It might be worth checking the data counter on your phone to see if it matches youtube's or Lebara's? 

jimjames

I've been on Lebara for around 4 years now. I have to say I've not noticed any issues with their data calculations and my use is generally pretty low compared to the plan I'm on.

Frozen_up_north

If applicable, check that your phone only uses WiFi for app updates and data backup.

Also, network data displays may show combined download and upload, and your phone may show download only (just a guess as the whole subject is a bit vague).