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Data Limits

G

gsl955

Lurker
Hello - i have had my phone for about a month and feel i have tweaked it for a comfortable battery life and also for optimal data usage. I'm currently on AT&Ts unlimited data plan, but truth of it is, i don't use it to download video/large content over 3G. I only do that over WIFI cause to me even 3G is too slow. Regardless, i am one of those AT&T stats that use less than 250MB month, so i an considering dropping to the $15.00/month plan (understanding i can never go back).

So here is my question:
** Without continuously checking AT&T's data usage for your account, how can you tell if you are getting close to your limit, exceeded, etc? Does something alert you? Can you set your threshold notification?

I'm ok for paying more when i go over, as long as i am aware i am reaching the limit. Since i have unlimited now, i obviously don't need to be notified but i'm hoping someone with the 250MB or 2GB plan can let me know what i could expect if i go into the capped data option.
 
gsl955 said:
Hello - i have had my phone for about a month and feel i have tweaked it for a comfortable battery life and also for optimal data usage. I'm currently on AT&Ts unlimited data plan, but truth of it is, i don't use it to download video/large content over 3G. I only do that over WIFI cause to me even 3G is too slow. Regardless, i am one of those AT&T stats that use less than 250MB month, so i an considering dropping to the $15.00/month plan (understanding i can never go back).

So here is my question:
** Without continuously checking AT&T's data usage for your account, how can you tell if you are getting close to your limit, exceeded, etc? Does something alert you? Can you set your threshold notification?

I'm ok for paying more when i go over, as long as i am aware i am reaching the limit. Since i have unlimited now, i obviously don't need to be notified but i'm hoping someone with the 250MB or 2GB plan can let me know what i could expect if i go into the capped data option.
Click to expand...

There isn't a really good way of checking the usage other then on the website. The other way to check it on the fly would be to use the * service for data.

Data_AA000683.jpg


1. Dial *DATA# (*3282#) on your phone.

2. Press the Send key.

3. Within seconds, a breakdown of your remaining data usage will be delivered via text message to your phone screen. The remaining data usage will be broken down by type.

*Services - Wireless from AT&T
 
You can check your usage online at att.com, I think I have seen apps that might track it too, not sure.

I am one that hopes to do the same thing one day, but need to make sure that I can be almost 100% Wifi to really make it work. My home and Office both have Wifi, so my only 3G time would be while in the car or after hours.

A few things concern me about any limited data plan.

1. An occasional App can cause a spike in usage
2. Traveling on vacation, etc.
3. The future. While my "current" usage might only be 50M, what is that going to translate into 3-5 years from now? There may come a time when the 250M limit might only be good for a day :eek: Downloading an epic movie in 3D HD might exceed that quickly or Video conferencing, etc.

Currently I think I am going to stick with my unlimited data plan, just isn't worth the $15 savings, when the overage fees are so steep.
 
nb_mitch said:
Currently I think I am going to stick with my unlimited data plan, just isn't worth the $15 savings, when the overage fees are so steep.
Click to expand...

The overages aren't as bad as many make them out to be. Just do some research on a few of your past bills... calculate what you use over a 3 month period and make an educated decision and don't just drop to the $15 because you are trying to cut cost without doing any research on past usage, like many, unfortunately do (I get at leaset 1 customer a day). Here is the overage breakdown from AT&T:

Smartphone Data Plan Requirement: Smartphones require a DataPlus (200MB) or DataPro (2GB) plan. If you exceed your initial data allowance, you will automatically be charged an additional $10 for each additional 1GB provided on DataPro or an additional $15 for each additional 200MB provided on DataPlus.
Click to expand...
 
thanks i will try *DATA# to see what it tells me. If its like AT&Ts web, it can be delayed for up to a week - which is pretty useless information if you ask me. Coming from a BB Curve i have kept my data pretty low, but i also know this Android phone demands to be used. For now i also think i will keep unlimited for a few months before making any irrational decisions to see how much data i use.

The way i look at it, if i keep it under 250MB it saves me $15.00 month (and more importantly $15.00 less to to AT&T - its the principal of it). If i go up to 500MB, i'll be paying the same what i am paying for my unlimited plan. Its only if i go over the 500MB that i really made a stupid decision by switching. How much "insurance" do i want to pay just in case i go over the data max allowed.

Anyway, thanks for the feedback.
 
There are a bunch of applications for monitoring your data usage - I'm using "3G watchdog". which lets you set warning limits as well as already used data if you are starting in the middle of the month.

I also use "APNdroid" to make sure I don't cross the limit if it comes to that.
 
How do those apps affect battery life? They would have to be constantly running in the background to work, correct?

The DATA text # every now and then seems like a good idea. I have used 1004.6 MB of Unlimited :)
 
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