How to stop your airtime from ‘disappearing’
Causes of airtime and data use that may be unexpectedly affecting users
MANY consumers are complaining their airtime and mobile data are disappearing – a phenomenon dubbed “data leakage”.
Users complained that data was being deducted from their mobile accounts, even though they had not used the Internet. Other users complained their airtime had disappeared, despite the fact they did not use their mobile phone at all.
MyBroadband asked Vodacom, MTN and Cell C what the possible causes of disappearing airtime are and what users can do about it.
According to Vodacom’s Byron Kennedy airtime isn’t disappearing and subscribers are using much more data. MTN agreed, saying faster networks, better smartphones and bandwidth-hungry applications are usually to blame.
Causes of airtime and data use that may be unexpectedly affecting users:
Subscription to a WASP service, which charges you daily.
Out-of-bundle data rates can quickly deplete airtime.
Automatic software updates can consume large amounts of data.
High-definition content on YouTube and social media platforms consume large amounts of data.
Uncapped data bundles from MTN must be activated before use.
New smartphones and faster networks mean data is used quicker.
Viruses can access your Internet connection and consume data.
What you can do to prevent disappearing airtime and data
Unsubscribe from all WASPs if you suspect undesired billing.
Switch off your data connection when you’re not using it. Apps often use data in the background.
Avoid out-of-bundle charges by purchasing data bundles.
Turn off automatic updates over mobile data connections – use fixed-line connectivity via Wi-Fi for updating apps and software.
Limit music and movie streaming using a mobile data connection.
Ensure you activate uncapped daily data bundles before using the Internet.
Check how much data apps use and adjust usage where possible to avoid using a mobile data connection.
Install an anti-virus program, such as Norton or Symantec, on your device to avoid viruses.
Pay attention to mobile data SMS notifications.
Android and iOS have built-in features to track data consumption, accessed via the Settings menu.
Prevent bill shock by setting a limit on the amount of out-of-bundle data you can use. Vodacom’s call limit lock and MTN’s usage limit feature let you do this.
Information: MyBroadBand
