Mobile broadband data usage
This support article will give you key information about keeping track of your mobile broadband data usage and provide tips to avoid going over your data allowance.
How to manage your data usage on mobile broadband.
The best way to manage your data usage on mobile broadband is through My Vodafone.
If you’re on a Mobile Broadband, Modem or Tablet Plan, you can get Vodafone Alerts to notify you when you reach 50%, 85% and 100% of your plan’s included data.
If you’re on a Mobile Broadband, or Tablet Plan, you can get a Data Booster.
If you’re sharing your Mobile Broadband, Tablet or Data Plan’s data, you can also use the Data Control feature in My Vodafone to remotely switch off data for any users in your sharing group. You can’t share your data if you’re on a Modem Plan.
Tips for limiting your data usage.
Here are other ways you can limit your data usage on mobile broadband.
If you're on a plan, usage information in Vodafone Alerts and My Vodafone is delayed and may not include your most recent data usage. Most Windows 10 and Pocket WiFi devices have tools that allow you to monitor your usage in real-time.
While it’s important that your computer’s operating system (OS) and software remain up-to-date, some updates automatically download in the background unless you turn them off.
Updates can be quite large so switching them off when your computer is using a USB modem, Pocket WiFi, Alcatel Link Zone or tethered to your phone via WiFi or to your computer via WiFi or USB cable will help make sure you don’t burn through your data allowance when you least expect it.
Check out our support article to find out how to turn off automatic OS downloads. If you're using a Windows 8 or 10 computer, another option is to set up your Vodafone internet connection as a metered connection.
Videos and music can burn through a lot of data. If you’re trying to keep your usage down, use them in moderation.
Make sure your computer’s virus protection is up-to-date and regularly scanning for malware, spyware and viruses. They’re not only a threat to your personal information but can increase your data usage as well.
Devices can use background data even when you’re not actively using them.
For Pocket WiFi or Alcatel Link Zone, either switch off WiFi on any connected devices or turn off the Pocket WiFi or Alcatel Link Zone.
For USB modems, close the connection through the Mobile Broadband software and unplug it.
If you’re using a Pocket WiFi or Alcatel Link Zone, or the WiFi hotspot feature on your phone, make sure it is password protected. We recommend using ‘WPA2’ in your WiFi security settings.
Without password protection, others can connect to your device and use your data without you knowing.