Ways to use 4G data while paying 3G rates

Higher speed on 4G means consuming more data. But, a few tweaks can help you bring down the data usage

With mobile companies offering faster 4G data service at 3G rates, many customers are shifting to the newer technology. After all, who does not want more speed at the same price? But here’s a catch — faster speed means quicker usage of data packs.

However, just because 4G consumes more data, one does not have to stick with 3G to save on data consumption. Checking emails, sending and receiving messages over WhatsApp, checking Facebook and Twitter doesn’t eat much of your data. Usually, streaming media services like videos and games dries up a large chunk of data.

If you can change settings of your apps and proactively manage their data consumption, you can reduce your 4G bill. For example, if you go to YouTube app’s settings, you can choose to stream HD videos only when the phone is connected to Wi-Fi. Similarly, in video conference apps such as Skype, you can opt for lower quality video.

You can also switch off notifications, unnecessary background apps and automatic syncing. Vodafone India also suggests that a person should avoid tethering and turning his smartphone into Wi-Fi network (portable hotspot) to share data with other devices. Apps that offer location-based services, like Foursquare or maps, can be turned off when not required.

“There are apps available for gauging your data consumption. Using them is a good starting point. Besides, increase the use of Wi-Fi, whenever possible,” says Gagandeep Kaur, consulting editor at Telecomtalk.

Still, for those getting initiated to 4G, there are a plenty of problems. Sriram Krishnan, for example, managed with 1.5 GB of data each month when he used 3G. After shifting to 4G, he consumes more than twice the data even though his internet usage is the same. Apart from regular usage of social networking sites, online shopping, checking emails and taxi booking, he sometimes streams songs and videos and makes video calls. Many apps and services automatically detect the speed of your internet and accordingly adjust the quality of the content. For example, online video services like YouTube may lower video quality on 3G whereas on 4G they would show a high definition (HD) video. Same is the case with Netflix, online radios and music services. As a result, data consumption can increase by 50-200 per cent, depending on quality of media streamed. Similarly, if you do video conferencing, data consumed in 4G will be higher as the app will stream better quality video.

"While 4G would increase the bill for customers, more customers will shift to it because of the experience they will have due to speed," says Prashant Singhal, Global Telecommunications Leader at EY. He points out that after experiencing 3G, many customer finds it frustrating to use 2G as the entire phone ecosystem - from apps to operating systems - is being designed for higher speed. In future, a user would have similar experience with 4G.

Choosing between 3G and 4G at present is a tough call as mobile operators have kept the pricing at same levels. Some companies are also offering booster plans, whereby a person can get additional data at slightly lower prices. But the pricing of booster plans for both services is the same. “A user would need to keep two things in mind when deciding between 3G and 4G — usage and network availability. If an individual requires a high-speed data connection for business or office-related work, then it makes sense to switch to 4G,” says Gagandeep Kaur.

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