UK Networks - My thoughts on Data.

[gavinguinness]

So I'm really concerned about the number of people receiving huge daft data bills.

My view is that with Ofcom regulating how much networks can charge for texts, voicemail and cross-network minutes, and more recently, using the phones abroad, it seems that to retain their revenue, they've found a new way to pull in the money: Data.

While I don't know the details of how each network operator bills their data, I think that until Ofcom cotton onto it, everyone should try to get some data built into their tariff.

For me, my 200mb "insurance policy" costs significantly less than O2 would have charged me for 3mb of unplanned data usage.

I know that it's basically bowing down to the network and taking the punishment, but for the moment, the alternative is just way too scary!

I would be interested in anyone elses thoughts/opinions.

[dani2xll]

I'm on vodafone and have bought the 7.50pm 500mb internet even though the majority of the time i dont use it. But like you i prefer having this security blanket around me, rather than pay a £1 a day for upto 15mb and who knows what price per mb from then on. The mb can go so quickly without you noticing when browsing the internet etc and vodafone dont even give you an update of how much you have used. You need to call and actually speak to a customer service member of staff to find out. Hopefully one day they will see sense and include this update in their normal text for update/balance. Also it was the offer of the monthly internet allowance that has forced me from payg to contract. On payg there is no option for the monthly offer of £7.50 and you are therefore forced to pay £1 per day or not to use it at all. And in this day and age, for me at least, the mobile internet is a necessity. It is a good way for the networks to force your hand to take contracts but not everyone can pass the credit ratings and so have to remain on payg and have to pay ridiculous prices through no fault of their own.

[purp]

I pay for the £7 bolt-on for 300mb with O2. I don't hit it as I try to transfer all large files from my laptop/pc to my phone via the cable.

[Bartmanekul]

Cotton on? Pffft. OFCOMedy are well aware of the data situation. They just dont do anything about it, same as the ISPs. It effectivly gives them free rule.

Networks have long been abusing data, but of course since its become much more popular, they cannot get away with charging what they used to (you think its expensive now, take a look back some years ago), hence the deals you see about now.

Only thing thats driving prices down/data amounts up is competition.

[Sexyback]

I could say Orange are worse than anyone, but then you wouldnt expect me to say anything else.

Also 3 tend to be the best IMO. But then I'm saying that because I use a PAYG sim on my E61 for internet only.

Which is shocking considering I bought the N95 for a reason.

You know what i do? Use wireless. At £10 a month unlimited (* obv theres a limit as per usual but nothing like the shoddy UK networks charge) I have it solely for my phone and now PC & PSP really. If im that desperate to use it outdoors i have to give in to the £1 a day thing with Orange.

Its a seriously shocking matter the way they are taking advantage of us, and I really wish something could be done.

[RussWWFC]

I pay a fiver for "Unlimited" on 3, basically 1GB that covers

Bargain I think.

[gavinguinness]

Originally Posted by Sexyback

You know what i do? Use wireless. At £10 a month unlimited (* obv theres a limit as per usual but nothing like the shoddy UK networks charge) I have it solely for my phone and now PC & PSP really.

Can you just run that past me, I don't understand this wireless £10 option. What is it?

Ta

[maltloaf]

i got the £10 broadband addon on my three n95 cos it means everything works properly and is a proper internet connection (the £5 mobile addon is somewhat restricted)

I also have a boradband modem at £5 a month which is the only internet connection I have for my laptop and works a treat

[samperry209]

basically if your a frequent data user u really need unlimited which i think o2 is doing a deal

but i got the pay as you go 3 dongle thing and i admit it has really cut my internet useage down... barely 1 or 2gb a week now and i was watching youtube videos and downloads 30 mb files as well! it all depends on your useage...

[Bartmanekul]

Voda do me well on the 500mb fup. It has to be said Orange seem by far the worst for data at the moment.