How much data do I need??

[Blobber]

Just looking at new mobile phone sim only deals but not really sure how much data I need or how to calculate data usage?
I only use data for sat nav now and then but want to start using it to listen to the radio perhaps once/twice a week for 3 or 4 hours, any pointers please

 

[skotl]

Your existing provider will have an app that you should be able to install on your phone and that can tell you how much data you've used in the last month

But, for the usage you're describing, I suspect that one of the lower deals would almost certainly work for you - 2GB or 5GB. That said, data doesn't really cost the providers anything like what they charge so there are often deals to be had.

Edit: for example, EE are currently offering "unlimited" data for less than a 5GB deal:

Although for ultra cheap, giffgaff look tough to beat. You'd almost certainly get away with the 2GB deal but if it was me I'd spring for the 5GB one

Best SIM only deals | giffgaff

Compare our best SIM only deals. Contract. Pay as you go. Monthly Rolling. Flexible plans. Unlimited minutes and text. No credit check.

www.giffgaff.com

 

[voipio]

About 60MB/hr seems to be the general consensus, when using a 128kbps data rate.

 

[Maker]

If you're on Android (And probably iPhone too but I'm not certain), you can see your data usage in settings, both on mobile data and on WiFi.

Satnav and radio will use bugger all data. Last month I used 1.16GB on Spotify and 143MB on Google maps.

 

[reb78]

Smarty mobile are worth a look too. We got an unlimited everything deal for £18 a month where we use the sim in a 4g router - get 30+mbps speed for the whole house. Their other deals are all less than that one. Use the 3 network so you just need to know you can get 3 reception.

 

[Blobber]

If you're on Android (And probably iPhone too but I'm not certain), you can see your data usage in settings, both on mobile data and on WiFi.

Satnav and radio will use bugger all data. Last month I used 1.16GB on Spotify and 143MB on Google maps.

I should have thought of that, yep data used is in my settings! we can only use 02 and vodafone around here but I wont use vodafone out of principle so will have a hunt around for some 02 deals now ive got an idea
Thanks for the pointers

 

[octo0072000]

@Blobber EE is part of O2 now I'm with plusnet but they are not doing mobile now so having to go to EE or O2 is recommended

 

[reb78]

@Blobber EE is part of O2 now I'm with plusnet but they are not doing mobile now so having to go to EE or O2 is recommended

I thought they merged with Virgin at the last minute but might be wrong. Only mentioning so you dont get EE and find its not O2 and dont get reception.

 

[Blobber]

Doing a bit of goggling as far as I can make out Giffgaff, Tesco, Virgin and Sky use 02 masts, cant find anything about EE

 

[reb78]

Virgin were with EE and moved to 02. I had to switch to EE from Virgin. Silly move by Virgin as I thin EE coverage is better than o2

 

[My Old Landy]

EE is part of the BT group. We have BT internet and EE phones get a discount.

 

[Blobber]

We struggle with some networks here so the most reliable is 02, because I find shopping around really tedious and not wanting to change providers just in case I loose my numbers a quick on line chat with 02 got me 60gb, unlimited calls/text for £14.99 inc vat per month per number, thatl do me, thanks for everyone's input

 

[mike os]

Most allow you to change packages every month anyway and you can top up any time

As it's not much different maybe start with 2gb and up it if you need

 

[500e]

Your existing provider will have an app that you should be able to install on your phone and that can tell you how much data you've used in the last month

But, for the usage you're describing, I suspect that one of the lower deals would almost certainly work for you - 2GB or 5GB. That said, data doesn't really cost the providers anything like what they charge so there are often deals to be had.

Edit: for example, EE are currently offering "unlimited" data for less than a 5GB deal:

View attachment 416370


Although for ultra cheap, giffgaff look tough to beat. You'd almost certainly get away with the 2GB deal but if it was me I'd spring for the 5GB one

Best SIM only deals | giffgaff

Compare our best SIM only deals. Contract. Pay as you go. Monthly Rolling. Flexible plans. Unlimited minutes and text. No credit check.

www.giffgaff.com

Been with GG for years on the £5 a month only run out once easy to top up I would say I am a much heavier user than you. You can swap to a different monthly plan either more or less next up is £8.
No phone included

 

[500e]

Remember with G G you can cancel any time no contract