I'm on Wi-Fi at home and data still being consumed

[camaro322hp]

@Wild Banchi -

I understand what you are saying, but turning off my cellular connection prohibits me from receiving/making phone calls.  I do turn it off when i know I will be downloading something large, but I don't like to leave it off all the time I am at home, because then I won't get incoming calls, and that defeats the primary purpose of the phone.

[Wild Banchi ACE - Professor]

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camaro322hp wrote:

@Wild Banchi -

I understand what you are saying, but turning off my cellular connection prohibits me from receiving/making phone calls.  I do turn it off when i know I will be downloading something large, but I don't like to leave it off all the time I am at home, because then I won't get incoming calls, and that defeats the primary purpose of the phone.

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I also understand what you mean. I was saying that you should turn your cellular data to "off" ONLY when you are using Wi-Fi to avoid incurring any unnecessary data being subtracted from your data plan. When you no longer want to use Wi-Fi, switch it back to "on". That would enable you to make/receive phone calls.

I know that incoming calls can be unexpected, and can occur at any time of the day. Maybe I'm just speaking from my perspective as I do not make/receive calls very often. But ONLY when you are on Wi-Fi, and not expecting any calls, should you turn cellular data to "off".

If you would be worried about an unexpected call being received that will not be accepted due to data being temporarily off, then just go ahead and leave it on. I'm just saying to turn it off when you do not expect any ways of contact other than SMS or Wi-Fi web browsing.

I hope that makes sense.

[Planet-Ed ACE - Geek]

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Wild Banchi wrote:

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camaro322hp wrote:

@Wild Banchi -

I understand what you are saying, but turning off my cellular connection prohibits me from receiving/making phone calls.  I do turn it off when i know I will be downloading something large, but I don't like to leave it off all the time I am at home, because then I won't get incoming calls, and that defeats the primary purpose of the phone.

---

I also understand what you mean. I was saying that you should turn your cellular data to "off" ONLY when you are using Wi-Fi to avoid incurring any unnecessary data being subtracted from your data plan. When you no longer want to use Wi-Fi, switch it back to "on". That would enable you to make/receive phone calls.

I know that incoming calls can be unexpected, and can occur at any time of the day. Maybe I'm just speaking from my perspective as I do not make/receive calls very often. But ONLY when you are on Wi-Fi, and not expecting any calls, should you turn cellular data to "off".

If you would be worried about an unexpected call being received that will not be accepted due to data being temporarily off, then just go ahead and leave it on. I'm just saying to turn it off when you do not expect any ways of contact other than SMS or Wi-Fi web browsing.

I hope that makes sense.

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It sounds like some confusion on how people are using the terms.  Cellular Data and Cellular Service are two separate things.  Turning off cellular data does not prevent you from receiving or making calls.  If you don't have a phone that has the ability to turn off just cellular data (cellular data only) then the only way is to turn off the cellular service which effect everything that utilizes cellular (voice, cellular data, messaging).

[camaro322hp]

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Planet-Ed wrote:

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Wild Banchi wrote:

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camaro322hp wrote:

@Wild Banchi -

I understand what you are saying, but turning off my cellular connection prohibits me from receiving/making phone calls.  I do turn it off when i know I will be downloading something large, but I don't like to leave it off all the time I am at home, because then I won't get incoming calls, and that defeats the primary purpose of the phone.

---

I also understand what you mean. I was saying that you should turn your cellular data to "off" ONLY when you are using Wi-Fi to avoid incurring any unnecessary data being subtracted from your data plan. When you no longer want to use Wi-Fi, switch it back to "on". That would enable you to make/receive phone calls.

I know that incoming calls can be unexpected, and can occur at any time of the day. Maybe I'm just speaking from my perspective as I do not make/receive calls very often. But ONLY when you are on Wi-Fi, and not expecting any calls, should you turn cellular data to "off".

If you would be worried about an unexpected call being received that will not be accepted due to data being temporarily off, then just go ahead and leave it on. I'm just saying to turn it off when you do not expect any ways of contact other than SMS or Wi-Fi web browsing.

I hope that makes sense.

---

It sounds like some confusion on how people are using the terms.  Cellular Data and Cellular Service are two separate things.  Turning off cellular data does not prevent you from receiving or making calls.  If you don't have a phone that has the ability to turn off just cellular data (cellular data only) then the only way is to turn off the cellular service which effect everything that utilizes cellular (voice, cellular data, messaging).

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Maybe different phones have different options in this regard, but my BB 9100 has only 2 options that I know of:

1.  I can turn off cellular data only (and leave cell service and WiFi on).  However, when I do this, the browser does not work even with a WiFi connection - it needs the cellular data to be on to work (if the cell service is still on).

2.  I can turn off the cellular connection altogether (and leave WiFi on).  In this configuration, the browser still works via WiFi (doesn't make much sense given the results of #1), but I am not able to receive calls.  In this configuration, certain other data consumers do not work, such as BB App World and Google Maps, which need the cell data to be on to work.

[Wild Banchi ACE - Professor]

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camaro322hp wrote:

Maybe different phones have different options in this regard, but my BB 9100 has only 2 options that I know of:

1.  I can turn off cellular data only (and leave cell service and WiFi on).  However, when I do this, the browser does not work even with a WiFi connection - it needs the cellular data to be on to work (if the cell service is still on).

2.  I can turn off the cellular connection altogether (and leave WiFi on).  In this configuration, the browser still works via WiFi (doesn't make much sense given the results of #1), but I am not able to receive calls.  In this configuration, certain other data consumers do not work, such as BB App World and Google Maps, which need the cell data to be on to work.

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Hmm. I guess you would be out of luck both ways, then. It seems odd that your browser would not work when cellular data is disabled. Usually it should work when on Wi-Fi, which does not count against your data plan. I guess you have no way of limiting the data being transmitted after you are done using the Internet...

[sashimoto]

After reading this forum, I have a question about my HTC Inspire. The Android world is all new to me!

I am trying to understand what things tap Into my data. I see others are having issues, too! WiFi is very sketchy where I work. I had several icons pop up over an hour. I had my phone set for internet to come ONLY if WiFi unavailable. First, the WiFi icon appeared, then the data icon, then an "E" then a "3". I had no idea which ones used data. I found the E is for "Edge" but what is that? Can someone explainewhat the E and 3 are and what is their purpose? Thanks so much.

[Wild Banchi ACE - Professor]

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sashimoto wrote:
After reading this forum, I have a question about my HTC Inspire. The Android world is all new to me!

I am trying to understand what things tap Into my data. I see others are having issues, too! WiFi is very sketchy where I work. I had several icons pop up over an hour. I had my phone set for internet to come ONLY if WiFi unavailable. First, the WiFi icon appeared, then the data icon, then an "E" then a "3". I had no idea which ones used data. I found the E is for "Edge" but what is that? Can someone explainewhat the E and 3 are and what is their purpose? Thanks so much.

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Right. The "E" you are seeing stands for "EDGE", otherwise known as 2G. The "3", my guess, would stand for "3G", which is pretty much the fastest data network other than the "4G" your Inspire is claimed to get. They both can use data, whichever one is available at the time.

If you are using the Internet via Wi-Fi and do not have cellular data enabled, your phone would not have access to the data network. In turn, this will not use any of your data available on your data plan. Wi-Fi is free to access. If you are receiving a weak Wi-Fi signal, that's when cellular data (EDGE/3G) kicks in as a back-up to load your Internet pages/whatever else you may be doing that uses a cellular/Wi-Fi signal. However, this can subtract from your monthly data allowance if you have cellular data enabled.

If you would like to use Wi-Fi ONLY, I would suggest deactivating the data network. Data would then no longer be subtracted from your plan. You can then activate the data network when you are finished with Wi-Fi.

I hope this helps.

[spunky711]

There is a solution but it costs $$$-stop buying branded phones and get a unlocked Nokia.  There is no need for "an app for that" regarding data and battery savers; it is built into the phone by design.  My E72 doesn't do anything I haven't told it to do-including connecting to 3G.  I can go days on wi-fi and use ZERO data.  When I need to use (or the phone wants to sync) I am ASKED (my choice) what connection type I want to use.  No fiddling with shutting off 3G, keeping wifi on to drain power, etc.  Plus with Ovi maps I have downloaded all the maps I need and can use the phone as an off-line GPS receiver without any data usage. I also can use my phone as a wifi hotspot; the AT&T iPhone still can't do that.  Is Nokia perfect? No.  But it beats everything else hands down.

[Kcenter]

HARLEYHOBO--YOU SAVED MY LIFE! I have no idea how I stumbled across this forum and your message--fate, luck, whatever, but thank you! thank you! for posting.  I had the old 3G for 5 years, and just now bought both my husband the 3GS, and myself the 4.0.  In all the reading I've done, and other people I've ever talked with (and I know a lot of iphone users).  NOBODY knew about or how to use this "tricky" little feature.  When I saw your message about closing the apps and the minus button, etc....I nearly fell out of my chair.  I know right then!  That's it!!  Well, most of it.  Add in the fact the the new phones have video and games, features far above what the old phones used, but heck, leaving those running in the system tray is a HUGE data eater--if you you've got a FaceBook upload going on, or some random location user app running.....anyway, I wonder, did you track your data further?  And, was this the main culprit?  I am starting my data tracking today. 

I'll say one thing, however, I'm not normally a conspiracy theorist, but why is that with so many complaints and so many people that have iphones, do so many people not know about this very important, very tricky, very COSTLY feature of the new software/phones?  It wouldn't be that someone has alterior motives would they?  I'm sorry, but this one smells like underhanded dealing - and even Apple is looking pretty bad on this deal......

Thank you again!!

[harleyhobo]

Thanks for the kind words, I'm glad my post has helped you. I've just checked again today on my wife's data usage and her first month was December with over 2 gig and every month since it's been around 12 mb. Still don't know what App caused it but she doesn't really use all those anyway mainly Facebook and email. She on wifi at home most of the day. Let me know how your usage goes.

[julianafern73]

I just recently went out and bought an I phone 3Gs. I like it better than my Blackberry. I hooked my iphone to itunes like they recommend and I went over my data plan in one day and I did not do anything on the web or download anything all I did was make a couple of phone calls and they lasted 5 or so minutes I don't care what at&t says I am cutting the data plan because this is stupid or I am going to simple mobile or ICC wireless to get an unlimited data plan for a lot less than what I am paying for my wireless plan now

[trqk]

I use a Sony Ericsson W995a unbranded unlocked phone. For Wi-Fi, I configure the phone to "Use Local Conn" under Connectivity. When I turn on Wi-Fi, this ensures all data is routed via local wi-fi; it avoids data going thru AT&T network. Calls and SMS come through as usual.

The unbranded, unlocked phone can cost more, but you can control many more settings. The phone and the experience is simple and reliable enough. It is a 3G/quad-band and picks up both the EDGE/3G as well as higher speed HSPA+ where available.

[HazelP]

I also had this problem.  I called AT&T customer service and the agent removed the cost from my bill.

[HazelP]

Thanks, I just checked my phone and needed to change the setting to your advice.  Thanks again!

[nana4ou]

I just purchased an IPhone 4 and I tried to do what you were talking about and I can't find the minus sign you are talking about......help please.......thanks

[courtney619]

I have the same problem and I am on a LG Quantam. I also get the error that the connection cannot be made when I am sitting right next to the wifi

[AboutToGoPostal]

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DrewCapuder wrote:

I have had the same problem. I am at home and at work with constant, strong WiFi connections, and I am still getting charged for data use. I just spoke with ATT tech support: they told me that if I am receiving emails on my phone, then that data comes over the cellular network, and not the WiFi--even when I am connected to WiFi. So they are telling me that WiFi bypasses internet browsing, but not internet email. Does anyone know if that is correct?

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+1: This is incorrect.  I've seen email updating work over WiFi.  

1. Some AT&T reps don't know what they are doing.
2. Some AT&T customers don't know what they are doing. 
3. Sometimes AT&T's billing system is wildly inaccurate. 

There's plenty of evidence in these forums that all three of these things often happen, causing unexpected data usage.

[AussieSwede]

I think you should change something in the settings....

[mandm0823]

But this is my only phone.  What is the point of having a phone on airplane mode? I'm having all the same problems everyone else is stating. This is a problem that at&t needs to help there customers fix because if they don't press apple for help we are more likely to think its at&t fault when we all get the bill.  At&t is going to have to deal with many upset customers arguing their bill.  At&t keeps telling me I have to wait to dispute my data usage until the billing cycle is over.  That is poor customer service.  Why can't they help me solve the problem before I get over billed and have to call them back. 

If this can't be resolved I'll be forced to leave at&t because I won't pay a cell phone bill with a data usage of a large as they are saying I'm using when in fact I'm on wifi..

[suhelmer]

When I first got my Iphone I experienced some data usage while on wifi.  I was told to turn off my notification services, which I did and the data charges stopped.  Now, during the last month I am suddenly using data while on wifi again and being charged for the extra usage.

So, by reading the posts, I am surmising that AT&T has changed the plan to now start charging me for data usage even while on wifi.  I am feeling as if I've been a victim of a bait and switch to force me to pay for a higher plan.  

Thanks for the hints on how to get around their tactics.  But what's next?  And why aren't they training their reps to recognize these problems and the steps to take?  Because they want that extra revenue from the thousands of users who will simply pay!  Angers me royally.

Has anyone started a website to encourage users to file complaints with the Attorney General, the FTC or the FCC or whatever?  If so, post the link..I will gladly check it out and add my voice.

[AboutToGoPostal]

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suhelmer wrote:
...

Has anyone started a website to encourage users to file complaints with the Attorney General, the FTC or the FCC or whatever?  If so, post the link..I will gladly check it out and add my voice.

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I've been doing that via my page (click my name to get to it) in the About Me section for years.

[cowboy6640]

I have a Htc Inspire. I figured out that if you have the background data running to use the market  or sync your phone and apps it will override the wi-fi and use the data instead. Check your settings thouroly.

[HollyJH]

On iOS5, go to Settings, General, Network and turn OFF Cellular Data.  This will force the phone to use Wi-Fi for email, web browsing and push notifications.  I don't know if this works with prior versions of the iPhone O/S, but it will turn off the cell network for data on your phone and only allow cell access for telephone voice and text message (which are on separate plans).

If you put the phone into Airplane Mode, you have turned off Wi-Fi, Phone (Voice), Text, and Cellular Data access.  Your phone becomes an iPod and is limited to what is actually loaded on the phone.

[sitnsidewayz]

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cowboy6640 wrote:

I have a Htc Inspire. I figured out that if you have the background data running to use the market  or sync your phone and apps it will override the wi-fi and use the data instead. Check your settings thouroly.

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Yes, this is very true. Since my issue with the Motorola phones, I have seen this happen with the Inspires on my plan as well. When wifi and cellular data are both enabled, by default, the phones use cellular data for the market. It is the reason one has to go into airplane mode plus wifi to see and/or download apps that AT&T hides, then your are not being content filtered through AT&T's server.

[leighstevens]

I was under the impression that I would not be charged against my data plan for downloads into my PC when using WiFi. However, my 'personal hotspot' is the way that I connect to the internet at home and my downloaded data must be being charged against my data plan. Since I don't use my iPhone to download anything as far as the web AND my data usage for example jumps after use of my personal hotspot for downloading items from iTunes this must be the case.  Any information on this issue is appreciated! 

[kellyklove]

i think  u have  to  go  to  settings and  turn  off the   3g  or cause  once  u  get   a   wi fi  signal  it  takes  over  on  everything  and  or  turn  off  data roaming ok  try it because   wi  fi  signals   r  stronger  then  the  network  that   we  have  on  our   phones ps  wifi   is not  really   free  thats  what  they  say     but  its   not   its  taking  data   still  from your  phone   love  kelly  from  the   bronx nyc   take  care 

[kellyklove]

you cannot switch to airplane mode then nothing in your phone will work

[kellyklove]

i think because you have an att phone and att wifi its stealing the data from your phone

[Playball55]

Why am I being charged for minutes if I'm using google voice on my iPhone 4s. They said that google voice works with your data plan and is true but why the count the minutes as a regular call? Hope you can help me with this

[JFizDaWiz]

Voicemail will cost you minutes when left for you because it had to forward the call