Why does my bill charge me for Internet usage when I am not using the Internet?

[Lozzie60]

I have spoken to four different advisors today to resolve my problem. I am trying to ascertain why I have used up my internet data quota (apparently in May) and because I have continued to use the Internet I am being charged £30 for it. I don't use the phone for the Internet! I have an iPad for this and deal with all my emails from my IPad. One advisor told me the last time I accessed the Internet was 17 June, two days ago, but I know I didn't. Please help me cos I don't want a massive bill in the future for something I do not know about. I have tried to sent emails to consumer help but these keep coming back undelivered. Will someone help me please?

[drey_p]

Hi there

Just because you aren't browsing the internet, doesn't mean that your phone isn't using it up.

Your handset is designed to update Apps, calendars, emails, weather, location infomation, backups, Facebook etc, all the in background without you being aware of it. 

To stop this, you need to work out what apps are using up the data by installing a data monitor.  Depending on your handset, you may already have data logging functionality.  Once you have worked out which are the problem apps, you can uninstall them or change how often they sync.

Another option would be to turn off mobile data as this will preven the handset from using any data. 

[Lozzie60]

Hi, thank you so much for your prompt reply. Right, I haven't downloaded any apps since I had the phone. I don't use social media such as Facebook. I don't use eBay or games or have downloaded music or movies. The only thing that's constantly updated is the weather app which has been on opening page of my Galaxy mini. So, how do I turn off the mobile data from my handset please? That way I won't have any more bill shocks. I will probably go back to pay as you go after this contract has finished. I want the phone only for texting and phoning in an emergency. Thank you.

[drey_p]

Swipe down from the top of the screen and the mobile data button should be on the list of icons there.

[Lozzie60]

Thank you, I have done this. Does £30 seem a pretty steep charge for over using data from 31/5/15 to 17/6/15 on this basis?

[drey_p]

Is £30 expensive...? It's hard to actually say without knowing precisely what your phone was doing in the background. It is potentially about right depending on how much data you used.

[BandOfBrothers]

Hi


If your phone is connected to Wifi and the signal breaks or dips the phone will seek out the strongest signal then to attach to which could of been the network data signal.

Most phones are updating in the background quoit you knowing and updating apps such as weather etc.

To stop this turn off MOBILE DATA in your phones settings so it cannot then latch onto anything else.

[BandOfBrothers]

You're welcome.

Using data over an included allowance can be expensive.