Video Calling.... Expensive/Data Hungry?

[Vicdude]

Anybody use this facility alot?

Discovered that it actually worked between my Note and the Missuses SII and I'd like to use it more but like all things like this in the UK, it has the potential to be massive but also to be ruined by greedy carriers.
I can't get a straight answer out of Orange so I wondered if it uses data at an alarming rate or is it just the same as streaming say a YouTube video?

Cheers

 

[Kamau]

I use it every once in a while, and it is hungry when it comes to data usage. You're streaming audio & video.

 

[colnago]

Data usage would depend on the app. Something like Skype, I believe I monitored it as using a rate of about 150Kbps, which would break down to a little more than 1MB per minute (give or take).

To be sure, try using an app called My Data Manager, as it will list all of your data usage on a "per app basis", including historical logging.

 

[t sport 1978]

You have to be clear about the method of your video calling.

When done via an app like SKYPE/TANGO, then yes your data will get hammered.

When done via your network operator over the calling/3G network, then that entirely depends on your tariff and does not involve using your data plan.

For example, I am with O2 in the UK. I video call all the time and it just comes out of my minute allowance, doesn't cost me any data at all.

Hope that helps.

 

[biscuitlad]

For example, I am with O2 in the UK. I video call all the time and it just comes out of my minute allowance, doesn't cost me any data at all.

Hope that helps.

Is this something O2 specifically offer? I'm with T-mobile - don't remember seeing anything like this. But I'd like to know more - frankly I'm a bit surprised they don't charge you extra for it if it's using their 3G network.

Does it work only between certain handsets (i.e. Notes / SII / iphones)?

 

[t sport 1978]

Any phones that can video call over 3g can use it, this is os and phone dependent. Android phones with front facing cameras all ok, windows 7 mobile does not, iphones does not (only face time).

Last time i checked o2 to o2 video calling is part of my minute allowance.

I love Android and o2 partly because of video calling over 3g

 

[t sport 1978]

That's not to say windows 7 phones can't video call, i believe tango now works on wp7, so you can do it via apps.

 

[Vicdude]

Got my first bill and for 8.38mins useage it cost me

 

[biscuitlad]

For example, I am with O2 in the UK. I video call all the time and it just comes out of my minute allowance, doesn't cost me any data at all.

I'm with T-mobile in the UK and I get the same deal too. My problem is that none of my friends have phones that can make video calls!

 

[anakin1979]

Its a charge that wouldnt be part of your data allotment. That's why Id just use Skype.