As we all increasingly rely on mobile phone data, there is generally an improved understanding of the way that mobile data is charged by the networks. Those networks have become more transparent with their charges, and at the same time the average user has become more aware of how their mobile phone costs are calculated, and what actions might trigger extra fees.
However, it is still easy to get caught out when it comes to mobile phone charges, and some key points to note are:
- Many mobile phone contracts include a monthly data allowance, but with (often hefty) “overage” charges applying if the data limit is exceeded.
- Some packages now include unlimited data, but that doesn’t always cover all types of data use. Certain types of calls and messages may not be included within your tariff – see below.
- Data alerts and data bars can be applied, but they don’t provide a 100% guarantee against a data allowance being exceeded. Depending on when and how the mobile networks process data, information can sometimes be historic rather than real-time. This means that a limit may already have been exceeded by the time you know about it.
Here are some tips to help you minimise the risk of incurring additional charges on your mobile phone bill:
- Know what package you have. If you have limited data, how close are you hitting that limit each month? Does your provider offer a larger allowance or an unlimited data bundle? The monthly fee for a larger amount of data is usually very affordable to the average business, especially when compared with potential overage charges.
- Keep track of how much of your monthly data you have used, through the “current period” record under Mobile Data, and reset the statistics on the last day of each billing period. Do be aware though, that the statistics reported provide a guide rather than an up-to-the minute record.
- When listening to voicemail messages, rather than taking the option to “Press 1 to return the call”, hang up instead and make a new call to the person who rang you. Ringing someone back directly from a voicemail message will incur an out of bundle charge, even if you have an unlimited UK calls package.
- Be careful about sending text messages that include pictures. If you’re sending from one iPhone to another, and both devices are connected – allowing the communication to be sent as an iMessage – then you won’t pay for these texts. However, if the message is sent through the MMS system (multimedia messaging service) then it will fall outside of your bundle and your network will charge for it, even if you are within your agreed data allowance. This usually happens if you’re sending to someone with a different type of phone, and is denoted by your message showing in a green bubble rather than a blue one. Although the charge for each message is typically only 35p + VAT, the volume of picture messages being sent nowadays is at its highest ever, and obviously if you’re sending lots of MMS messages in a month, you could be in for a surprise bill!
- Similarly, texts that include emojis, or which are sent to a number of people at once, may convert to MMS messages. You may be able to turn off the MMS function in the Messages section of your phone’s settings, to stop yourself sending them without realising.
- Use data services to send photos. Related to points 4 and 5, MMS messages are charged because they are unrelated to data usage. If you want to send a picture within your data allowance, you can achieve this by using applications such as MIcrosoft Teams, WhatsApp, or other messaging services including Facebook.
- Use wi-fi wherever possible, especially when you’re in a “static” location such as your desk in the office, or working from home. This is especially important if you need to upload or download a large amount of data. If you need to view a video on your mobile, download it when connected to wi-fi, and it will be available on your phone to watch later.
- When we’re able to travel abroad again, check before you leave the UK whether your mobile tariff extends to the place you’re travelling to. Check with your provider whether a travel bolt-on is available, or whether it may be beneficial to buy a local SIM in the country that you’re travelling to.
HJS Technology provides business mobile phone contracts for all networks, with your choice of handset. If you have any questions about the above, or wish to discuss your mobile tariff, please give us a call or enter your contact details here.