1
How to avoid excessive roaming
data charges….
17 Slides to save you money!
Apple, Android, Windows Phone & BlackBerry
Presented by a Bango road Warrior.
2
What we will cover
• The Problem & Reality..
• Data roaming what to know
• Managing data roaming
• Provider Update Limits & Caps
• Tips for Travellers
3
The reality
• Mobile Network Operators – gain significant amounts of incremental profit
when you travel…
• Its easy to incur avoidable high data roaming if you do not think ahead.
• Plan ahead and use the tools that are available to minimise your risk.
• Better still – use WIFI.
• But be careful… Understand what your smartphone is doing..
4
Lots of Things Happen behind the
scenes..
Apps automatically update
Apps background sync
Email gets fetched
ROAMING THINGS TO KNOW
BILL SHOCK!
Smart Phones use a significant amount of BACKGROUND data tasks
Box for example syncs behind the scenes
6.36GB!!!
Smart phone operating systems provide
tools to help manage data consumption…
If you have data
roaming enabled
you will be
consuming data
without knowing it
Unless you set
limits & controls
(Win
do
ws)
5
How to disable Data roaming
• Before you go overseas – make sure you set your phone to
minimise any potential unrequired data roaming..
• Turn OFF data roaming – before you leave the UK
• Use WIFI as primary data source – coffer bars/hotels etc
BASICS
Android Windows BlackBerry
AppList
IOS
6
WHAT IF I NEED TO USE DATA WHILST ROAMING?
HOW DO I MINIMISE THE COST?
WHAT CAN I DO?
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Minimizing Data Roaming Charges
1. Turn off background app refresh - Stops apps from updating data in the background
2. Monitor Usage & Set Caps – Android/Windows (IOS – APP)
3. Restrict Apps to WIFI only - enables you to restrict certain apps to WIFI only
4. Turn off Push/Auto Sync - Stops data being pushed to the device
5. Limit Automatic App Updates - Stops apps automatically updating from using Cellular for
updating
6. Make Sure your provider has data caps enables (EU Directive for Bill Shock)
7. NEVER Streaming Music/Video on the go – make sure you know what content is local
and what is in the cloud.. (mistakes happen)
8. Never data roam and tether/personal hotspot your device..
9. Avoid texts as they can be costly – use a OTT client (whatsapp.. for example)
8
Disable Background tasks
Ensure Background tasks are disabled - IOS/Android/Window
Support
IOS Android Windows
Only the app which you are using (on the screen) will use data
1
9
BlackBerry
http://www.windowsphone.com/en-us/how-
to/wp8/start/use-data-sense-to-track-data-
usag
http://www.pcadvisor.co.uk/how-to/google-
android/3443819/set-data-usage-limit-on-
android/
Controlling Data
Android
Set Phone Data Limits & Caps
Set up data limits on the device itself….. 2
IOS Download
one of many apps…
10
Set Apps to use WIFI Only
• Windows DATA Sense to restrict Apps to WIFI
• Android Settings – Data Usage – select apps to control
• IOS – Settings - Mobile
3 This enables you to control which apps will use cellular data and which only use
WIFI - Important if you want to use some Apps whilst roaming
11
Mail Push/Sync - Settings
• Android
– settings ->accounts & sync -> autosync – (On/Off)
• IOS
– Settings->mail contacts calendars - > Fetch new data (Set limit)
• Windows
– Settings ->email -> Select the account -> Set Frequency
This controls whether mail is pushed to you or whether you fetch it, typically
configurable by email account. You can also control how much you
download. Ie headers only.
4
12
Disable App Auto Updates - Android
By default Android pushes out App updates automatically
Disable this by modifying your settings in the Google Play Stores
5
This has to be done on the Google
Play store itself
13
Windows/IOS ..
• Windows Phone – automatically restricts app downloads over 50mb to WIFI.
iOS (See below)
15
Your Supplier – Vodafone Example
• Ensure Roaming DATA Cap is applied in line with Vodafone T&C’s – Bill
Shock
• http://www.vodafone.co.uk/about-this-site/terms-and-conditions/data-
notifications-and-regulatory-data-roaming-spend-cap/
• Limit set with notifications for GBP 42.50/month
• You should receive a text message as you reach 80% & 100% of the monthly
limit – you can extend the limit by texting Vodafone.
• When you get your bill – always check it.. Mistakes happen
17
Other Tips for Traveller
GO MIFI
Purchase a Unlocked MIFI 4G Device (GBP 60.00 from AMAZON)
Provides 4G/LTE for up to 5 devices
Enables VOIP clients to make calls over WIFI for FREE
Buy a local top up SIM and use and dispose http://www.amazon.co.uk/Huawei-E586Es-21-1Mbps-Broadband-
Unlocked/dp/B008ESL0PE/ref=sr_1_4?ie=UTF8&qid=1389822033&sr=8-4&keywords=mifi+unlocked
Traveller WIFI Solutions such as http://www.i-gigz.com/
Global roaming solution – WIFI 164 countries
MIFI router meets you at your hotel
Significantly cheaper than DATA ROaming
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Conclusions
• Its easy to avoid a nasty surprise when you get back from your travels.
• Managing how you use data roaming means you can still roam but in a
controlled way and manage your risk
• WIFI at shops/bars (eg Starbucks, McDonalds etc) is normally free and the
best route
• Shop around you can get UK SIMS such as 3 that roam for no cost.
(Always Check small print)
• In 2014 the EU will mandate no roaming charges will apply – so keep posted..
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