Smart guide to managing mobile data charges

MANILA, Philippines - Have you ever encountered a sudden spike in your monthly phone bill? Or wondered why you consumed your load faster than you normally do? Then you might have unintentionally incurred data charges.

With the proliferation of “smart” devices (portable devices that have instant access to the Internet via cellular services), unexpected data charging has crossed paths with many, if not all, mobile users.

From newbies to techies, this newfangled phone phenomenon chooses no one. Fortunately with a little knowledge, its effects can be avoided — saving you precious pesos in the process.

Use a data monitor

 Whatever type of smartphone you use, there are several apps that could help you monitor mobile data activity. These apps measure the amount of incoming or outgoing data from your phone and they can blurt out alert tones when you are nearing the pre-set limit.

• Android: Onavo Count https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.onavo.android.onavoid

• iOS: Data Monitor https://itunes.apple.com/ph/app/data-monitor-manage-data-usage/id576233634?mt=8

• BB: Data Monitor http://appworld.blackberry.com/webstore/content/14626/

Limit background data usage

 Modern smartphones are pre-programmed to make sure they run the latest versions of applications. It does this, however, by constantly connecting to the Internet even without your knowledge. This is commonly called an active background connection. Be on the safe side by tweaking your background data usage — options to limit or turn off background activity can easily be toggled in the settings menu.

Be on the spot

 Pay close attention to your phone’s Wi-Fi signal especially when you are mobile. Moving out of range from a Wi-Fi hotspot may cause your phone to automatically switch to a 3G or 4G connection. If you are not careful, you will be charged additional data fees.

Subscribe to Always On or UnliSurf

 Do you need to be online constantly but have to keep within budget? Smart has data packages that suit a myriad of usage habits. If you wish to surf the Web on a “per byte” basis, there are the Always On packages.

If you want a time-based connection, meanwhile, you can avail yourself of a daily, weekly or monthly UnliSurf package. Dial *888 for Smart Postpaid line or *1515 for Smart Prepaid for the complete list of packages.  Always On and UnliSurf packages are valid for use only in the Philippines.

Browse safely with SmartNet

 SmartNet is a platform developed by Smart which lets you enjoy popular apps like Twitter and Facebook for free. It does this by using a feature called Internet On/Off, which allows your phone to access only white-listed sites and services. This means that even if you keep your phone’s data connection active, you won’t be charged a single centavo, so long as you use only the SmartNet suite of apps.

SmartNet can be downloaded for free from Google Play, Apple iTunes, and Windows Marketplace. It is also available via mobile Web (http://m.smartnet.ph) for feature phones and mobile browsers, and via PC Web (www.smartnet.ph).

For more smartphone tips and tricks, visit Smart’s official channel on YouTube (www.youtube.com/user/smartcorporate) which contains tutorial videos.