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How to Track Data Use and Choose the Right Smartphone Plan

posted by CoolHand on Monday December 28 2015, @07:56PM   Printer-friendly
from the helpful-tips dept.

"SpallsHurgenson" writes:

http://www.nytimes.com/2015/12/17/technology/personaltech/how-to-track-data-use-and-choose-the-right-smartphone-plan.html

I looked into a number of different approaches for calculating cellular data use. Each of the big American carriers offers an app or web tool for monitoring data consumption. But I recommend against those solutions because in my testing, they were generally time-consuming or poorly designed.

Instead, the quickest way to monitor your data use is by simply using your phone. Each carrier has a hidden code that you can punch into your phone to get an update on data use.

For AT&T subscribers, the method is simple. You place a phone call to *DATA# (*3282#). AT&T will send a text message showing the amount of megabytes you have used out of your monthly allotment. It showed that so far this month I have used 464 megabytes out of 3 gigabytes.

[...] Similarly, Sprint customers can send a text message containing the word "Usage" to the number 1311 and get a text message with a data report. T-Mobile subscribers can place a call to #WEB# (#932#) to receive a quick data summary.

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  • (Score: 0) by Anonymous Coward on Monday December 28 2015, @08:42PM

    by Anonymous Coward on Monday December 28 2015, @08:42PM (#281830)

    Has a built-in bandwidth usage monitor. Can even see it at the app level.

    I sure as hell would not trust the Carrier to keep track of this all by their self. Especially, given the recent public failures by ISPs. http://arstechnica.com/business/2015/12/comcast-admits-data-cap-meter-blunder-charges-wrong-customer-for-overage/ [arstechnica.com]

  • (Score: 0) by Anonymous Coward on Tuesday December 29 2015, @03:55AM

    by Anonymous Coward on Tuesday December 29 2015, @03:55AM (#281960)

    Get 3G Watchdog ?

    Has alerts, levels, auto cut off and is free. Has a paid version for those who want to support it.