What’s more important – air, food, water, coffee, or Data?
If you answered, “all of the above”, you’re on the money – although we’d accept food and coffee too (because what’s life without copious amounts of pizza and caffeine?). Data, however, comes a close second tier right underneath those basic human essentials – not important enough to (technically) keep us alive, but definitely as essential to our sanity as taxi drivers who don’t clog up morning traffic (seriously, we’ve lost actual sanity points due to slow Internet).
Sadly, much like coffee, there’s no infinite stream designed to carry us in a blissful joy and wrap our devices in its warm embrace. In fact, managing your usage adequately is essential to avoid hitting your cap or, even worse, experiencing a slowdown.
So, without further ado, let’s unpack the ways you can better understand your Data usage (while managing it accordingly).
But first, let’s scale it back – what is Data Usage, and how does it work?
We’re really breaking it down here, but Data Usage is defined as the amount of information (drum roll – DATA) transferred between any given device and the Internet. This can be as simple as browsing the web or sending emails, or even involve streaming music or downloading an app. Basically, all activity conducted online involves a certain amount of Data usage – which can also add up over time.
You may be wondering how many Emails one would need to send to actually make an impact, but it’s a common misconception. Here are some common Data guzzlers (not named “having kids”) which play a big role in either slowing down or completely draining your Connectivity.
•Streaming. From Netflix and Chill to Amazon, Disney+, and even DSTV (just kidding – nobody watches DSTV #sorrynotsorryMultiChoice), your favourite show streamed in HD or 4K can rapidly drain your Data cap. For context: an hour of HD video usually consumes around 3GB of Data, and high-res (think 4K) can consume as much as 7 entire Gigs per hour. Yep. Per. Hour.
•Video Calls: Anyone who thinks their regular Teams call is easy on the Data Cap has clearly never done it from their phone whilst driving (sorry boss). If you thought petrol was a money drainer, meet the ultimate silent Data death. An ordinary group video call on Teams, Zoom, or Skype can cost users around 1.5Gb per hour.
•Gaming: Ask any parent what slows the Internet more than an intrusive neighbour who guessed your password, and they’ll likely say “teenager”. Now, nobody has ever confirmed exactly what they spend copious amounts of time in their room draining the Wi-Fi on, but we’ll just chalk it down to Gaming (because the alternative is too dreadful to think about). Fact is, Gaming can be Wi-Fi kryptonite in terms of its effect on bandwidth and Data-sapping abilities. There are ways to navigate this when its uncapped, but those on fixed plans would be better off introducing “Super Mario” and other single player additions to their young collections.
So, how do we track it?
You can’t manage your Data without tracking it first – which is a lot simpler than it sounds (and, no, there’s no need to install spyware on every device in the house). In fact, most devices come with tools available which helps monitor exactly how high (or low) your usage is. These include:
•Built-in Data Usage settings on devices (which tells you the exact time spent, and Data consumed by various apps)
•Online Dashboards from ISP: some ISPs offer online portals wherein you can monitor your usage for the entire month – and many even notify you when your limit is near.
•Data Tracking Apps: there are a variety of third-party apps available – these can help track usage across various home devices.
So, how do I cut it down?
Suggestion number one would be to go Amish, and ban the Internet entirely. Unfortunately, this approach isn’t exactly feasible in the Connectivity centric world we live in, but there are simpler workarounds. These include:
1.Adjusting the Streaming Quality of your services (because 4K can sometimes be overrated).
2.Limit Background Data Usage: which can easily be adjusted in your device settings (particularly on your cell phone).
3.Install Data Alerts and Push Notifications: which allows you to tread carefully throughout the month (can’t FNB do the same thing?)
4.Use the Wi-Fi, rather than your Mobile Data: which is kind of the purpose of having home Wi-Fi, right?
Fact is, having a full understanding of your usage patterns should help establish which plan is right for you. If you’re exceeding your limits every month, it’s probably time to upgrade. On the flip side, if you consistently have Gbs to spare (and are getting annoyed at them not rolling over), then maybe a lower cap will leave you with Rands to spare elsewhere.
Ultimately, however, it’s about more than just saving a buck or avoiding slow Connectivity. Instead, it’s about keeping your digital life running smooth as butter. By managing your Data and making smart choices, you can ensure that you’re always connected and less likely to be broke.
Like time, money, or a very expensive significant other, the best things in life require planning and handling with care. Your Data usage is no exception. After all, Data does make the world go around, right?
