Three ways to save data

Ever since the three major telcos in Singapore slashed their generous 12GB and 30GB data plans in 2012, mobile users have been struggling to manage their lower data plans.

Currently, data plans start at around $30 monthly for about 300MB to a whopping $230 a month for 12GB. While loading speeds are faster with 4G, we still need to manage the amount of data we use on our mobile phones, or face paying $10 for every additional GB incurred.

To save you from racking up gut-wrenching bills every month, here are three ways to help you manage your monthly data usage.

1. Download the telco app

Almost every smartphone user has their telco’s app downloaded within the first 24 hours of getting their new phone. The telco apps, available on App Store and Google Play, lets you keep track of the amount of data you have been using any time before the bill comes.

This allows you to limit your data usage or connect to a Wi-Fi network if you are almost hitting the limit in your data plan.

2. Invest in a music streaming service

If you are an avid music fan, consider getting the Premium version of the widely used music streaming service, Spotify. For $9.90 a month, you get to enjoy ad-free music when you stream from Spotify offline.

When you are connected to Wi-Fi, your phone will download your preferred tracks or playlists, allowing you to listen to your favourite tunes in the morning without using your data.

For Singtel users, you get a special treat. When you sign up for Premium with the telco, it is $2 cheaper and you can stream music on a 4G network without getting charged for data usage. You can check it out here.

3. Get customisable plans

We are a generation that shy away from sending SMSs or making long phone calls. Why should we be charged for something we rarely use?

If you are a Singtel and M1 user, consider getting their customisable plans, so that you can minimise these features to make way for more data.

While M1 has a fixed approach to its DIY plan, Singtel’s flexible Easy Mobile plan lets you change the kind of plan you want every month, which can be tweaked easily in the Singtel app.

All in all, surfing the web without worrying about your bill at the end of the month is indeed a dream. But could soon be a reality if the upcoming fourth telco, MyRepublic, launches their attractive data plans soon.

Until then, hopefully these three tips will help you manage your data usage.