Excess data usage with Mi-Fi

[cbj2248]

I just began using the Mi-Fi unit two weeks ago but am told that we have already used 75 percent of our data allotment. How do we reduce our data usage. We have been keeping two laptops connected all of the time.

[jupiter837 · Accepted solution]

Hi, it's hard to answer your question the way you asked it. But I'm going to guess your new to mobile broadband and caps.

 What Plan are you on? You may have to go up to a larger cap with two laptops running all the time. May just be no way around it.

 But turn all the automatic updates off, windows, any other software or hardware updates. Except maybe for your virus scanning software. But as far as everything else, I have mine where it will ask me before downloading any updates.

 Firefox and other browsers have add ons that can block flash from automatically loading. Flashblock is what I use in Firefox. It blocks all those annoying flash ads that pop up on web pages, and want load a video until I click on it. There are other programs that block other ads from loading. Just look for them in add ons for Firefox.

 Keep your virus scanning software up to date.  Always make sure you don't have a virus, malware, or adware sucking up your data on all your laptops.  There are few good programs out there for scanning for melware and adware. Google ad ware removal and you'll get a list of useful programs. There is also the adblock add on program for firefox. But I have never used it.

  These suggestions should help a lot.

 when I had dial up I used Netzero "3g" which really wasn't 3g at all but just a optimized browser that would download images and some video at a lower resolution, sometimes real low. But I could click on a image or what video and watch it in higher quality if I wanted to. I wish Verizon would offer a program like that.

[Jax_Omen]

DON'T just google "ad ware removal", lots of malware google bombs it's way high onto the results for that specifically to target people who don't know better.

Instead, google "Spybot Search and Destroy", "Lavasoft Ad-Aware", and "Malwarebytes", the VERY FIRST result of each of those searches is the correct web page for some very good anti-malware software. Also, get a good antivirus (NOT NORTON/MCAFEE). Microsoft Security Essentials is free for anyone with a legit copy of windows and it's VERY good, other good ones are Avast! or Kaspersky.

There's two main causes for mobile broadband overage. The first is malware, most of it uses TONS of data to do the malicious stuff it does. The second is education: your MBB allowance has a fairly small limit, as internet connections go, and things such as software updates, software downloads, online videos, song downloads, online games, etc, all use a VERY large amount of data. Two computers doing those things use TONS.

[BEYONDFRUS]

 Just Adding the Fact that most of us out there with Families NEED LARGER DATA PLANS FOR INTERNET!!! 30 and 40 GB AT LEAST!!!!!!!! NOT 5 and 10 GB. We want to download, update, watch videos, upload pictures, skype and my 2 teen boys would like to play on their X BOX Again.... which they have not since the new data plans!!!!! PLEASE LARGER PLANS PLEASE!!!!!!!! PLEASE!!!!!!!! Why should we NOT be able to use the internet to the fullest????????????? BeyondFrus

[#5]

I don't think Verizon mobile broadband was ever intended to serve as your primary "at home" internet provider. You really need DSL, cable, or U-Verse at home and mobile internet for "away from home."

[John_Getzke]

Agreed.  MiFi devices are not intended to replace your home internet.

[dysfunkshun]

Yes, I have learned the hard way that mifi is not to replace home internet, despite what the customer service rep I spoke to confirmed multiple times.  I used the data calculator on their website to view 200 websites a day and 4 hours of video gaming, which put me under the 5gb cap, as confirmed by the rep I spoke to.  When in reality, I only view 10-20 websites a day and play video games closer to 4 hours a month, I was supposedly over 5gb in 4 days, according to the email they never sent to warn me.  I spoke to customer service today, and her data calculator said 250 websites a month is 11gb!  Long story short, I'm out $100 for this modem and $175 to cancel, plus the $300 for overages in 18 days.  HORRIBLE customer service, waited until after the 14 days to let me know how far over I was.  Thank you for looking out for your customers (money) so well Verizon!

[John_Getzke]

---

dysfunkshun wrote:

Yes, I have learned the hard way that mifi is not to replace home internet, despite what the customer service rep I spoke to confirmed multiple times.  I used the data calculator on their website to view 200 websites a day and 4 hours of video gaming, which put me under the 5gb cap, as confirmed by the rep I spoke to.  When in reality, I only view 10-20 websites a day and play video games closer to 4 hours a month, I was supposedly over 5gb in 4 days, according to the email they never sent to warn me.  I spoke to customer service today, and her data calculator said 250 websites a month is 11gb!  Long story short, I'm out $100 for this modem and $175 to cancel, plus the $300 for overages in 18 days.  HORRIBLE customer service, waited until after the 14 days to let me know how far over I was.  Thank you for looking out for your customers (money) so well Verizon!

---

It doesnt matter how many websites you visit per day/month/year or how many hours of video games you play.  All that matters is the actual data that is being consumed/transferred on your MiFi.  For example, you could theoretically rack up your entire 5GB limit from one website if that website was left on 24/7 and was streaming High Def video.  

The data calculator (linked below) is based on averages for all of the typical things people like to do on the internet.  These averages are clearly labled on the site:

Email (text only) = 10 KB
Typical Web Page Lookup* = 1.5 MB
Audio Streaming = 60 MB/hr
Video Streaming (Standard def)= 260 MB/hr
Digital Photo download/upload (Hi-Res) = 5 MB
3G VoIP = 20 MB/hr
3G VoIP with Video = 75 MB/hr
Online gaming = 5 MB/hr

1 MB = 1,024 KB
1 GB = 1,024 MB"

http://www.verizonwireless.com/splash_includes/datacalculator.html

At the bottom of the page in fine print you will find this quote:

"These are just estimates, and data transfer amounts will vary based on application. Downloads that buffer, such as streaming music and video, will bill for all of the data that has been downloaded, even though you may not have listened to or watched the entire download. Please regularly check and manage your usage."

The email service that Verizon provides is not activated for your first billing period.  I called Verizon support about this in the past and was told that it has something to do with their billing system.  They cannot add you into the email alert system until the next month when an entire billing cycle can be taken into consideration.

Dont get me wrong, I feel for you and your experience with the MiFi.  This is why I instruct all of my users to reference the 1(800) number and check in on thier data consumption habits regularly for the first month.  So far that has helped them visualize exactly how much data they are consuming and what they can/cannot get away with.

[dysfunkshun]

I know those are just estimates, but how does looking up 250 websites a day on average work out to be 11gb as was described to me today?  Based on the average they are using, it would only be 325MB.  Even the websites I do view are nothing as massive to be that big.  Email, local news paper, and my local Union hall's site, with occasional views on craigslist.  I do not stream movies or music, I use my cell phone for youtube stuff since its "unlimited."  Even the email is mainly just hotmail junk that I don't read, just delete.  The fact is, I overestimated my actual usage at its heaviest load, with 200 websites on 2 laptops, my PS3 running 4 hours a day, plus 2 HD DVRs and I was still assured by verizon I would be under 5gb a month, though they know they cant truthfully justify that.  I ended up using about 4-5 hours on my PS3 with Call of Duty, and only using my laptop for 10-20 websites a day, and my roommate using her laptop for about 10 websites in 18 days, an incredible amount below my estimation and still going over 30gb.  I was never able to get either of the HD DVRs to work with mifi, and even if I could have, do not use any of the internet features.

Verizon knows they cannot accurately predict how a person uses the web and should not be allowed to "guesstimate" based off absolute minimums.  I thought I was being safe by overestimating and was assured by Verizons customer service rep I was doing so, or I would never have even thought twice about it.  Hook a customer based on false pretenses, wait til the return period is over, and throw the kitchen sink at em!  And if their email service doesnt start until after the first bill, how am I supposed to know I'm going over?  Waste more on their website to constantly patrol my data usage?  Then I would only be able to view one other website per day?  I'm very disappointed Verizon thinks they can treat customers like dollar signs and get away with it.  $575 for 18 days of internet service....awesome.

[AyaniB_VZW]

Hi dysfunkshun,

I completely understand your frustration and definitely do not want to lose you as customer.  It is never our intention to setup a customer on a plan that is not conducive to their needs. We do provide several tools to help our customers monitor their usage. It appear that you are a heavy data user, we do offer a 10GB plan that may work better for you.  Please PM your number and  I would be happy to review your account in effort to place you on the right plan and  keep you as a customer.  I look forward to hearing from you soon.

Thank you for you contribution to our community forums, 

[steve_sheldon]

How does this customers browsing habits constitute heavy usage?

[John_Getzke]

Steve,

Browsing habbits are very important when it comes to Data Usage. Users with poor habits almost certainly will consume more data and get nailed with a high bill.  Users with good habbits are less likely to be hit with overages.

However, usage and habbits should not be confused to as the same thing.  Even with good habbits a user can go into what VZW considers heavy usage.  According to VZW's throttling and optimization policy anyone over 2GB of data per billing cycle is a "heavy user".  Many other 3rd party reports can confirm these statistics. 

This is an unfair label to place on mobile broadband users because they get lumped togeather into the same category as all of the smart phone users.  It is much more difficult to consume data on a smart phone due to the natural limitations of those devices.  Until the industry decides to split smart phones from mobile hotspots they will be considered the same thing.

Example of Good Habbits:

1. Avoid Video, use low def options if necessary

2. Avoid Streaming music, use low def options if necessary

3. Avoid High-res pictures, use low def options if necessary

4. Close down your applications when you are done using them

5. Disconnect from the device when you are not using it

6. Check in on your usage frequently until you understand what impact your habbits have on the plan

7. Turn off automatic updates for any programs or services

8. Secure your device by changing the default connection credentials to custom values

In the end, VZW does not care about your habbits.  VZW only cares about the data that is consumed on your data plan.  Our habbits will influence the amount of data we consume but does not account for the entire picture.

[prettyppam]

You are RIGHT ON!!!   Between Verizon, Best Buy and Web Root, NO ONE except Web Root has followed up as promised.  Best buy has had my Dad's computer - the culprit - for 3 of the last 4 weeks and I think he is there AGAIN, X3 today!! trying to get his computer functional after all their 'Geeking.'  The problem of MASSIVE data usage started the MINUTE the computer was fixed by Best Buy... OF COURSE, 'how can you prove it was us???'   Fingers pointing everywhere by persons who really don't know their business.  Verizon has not been ANY help in resolving this.  Their Exec claimed they'd get with their 'partner' Best Buy...  but, I've got no evidence of any true action here.  Only response I got was AFTER I filed an FCC complaint.  They did give a credit which is appreciated, but I would SERIOUSLY like to see them take this problem by the horns and QUIT BLAMING THEIR CUSTOMERS!!!  I've been given so many bum steers by them and now, I'm a hot potato and no one seems to be able to help me or give answers at all, etc.  At least, they won't be flat out lying and making false promises any longer.  Even their EXEC office told me to try a program of theirs to monitor data, but it is NOT real time and therefore pretty useless. 

[RidgeRider]

Hey, PP. I got an email from Verizon saying you had approved me but I still can't send you a direct message. Verizon is playing games. Same with lots of other posters.

Wade

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[tikibar1]

Cross-posting and posting personal info. is against the Terms of Service for this forum.

[budone]

I thought the Supreme Court ruling changed the rules on class actions suits and companies can make a policy change to keep people from filing class action suits.

http://news.cnet.com/8301-30686_3-57403475-266/why-you-cant-sue-your-wireless-carrier-in-a-class-act...

[prettyppam]

There is NO customer service.  NOT ONE of them ever followed up on my issue, NOT one.  Promises, disgust about how you are treated, and then... someone puts the screws to them... and they are gone as well.

[RidgeRider]

True, Pam.

It is so hard to keep up with the individual cases of excess user fraud Verizon is responsible for, and living your life, that I have given up on Verizon helping. I have pretty much given up on any attorneys helping, even though it would seem to be financially profitable for them. But, I remain open to other possibilities.

Being an ultra conservative I only watch Fox News. They are the best of a bad lot, and that's not saying much. But I have noticed a new program being started on their early morning program. I'm going to send them some URLs like this one, and a few of the others, to see if they might be interested.

The only way we will get some action on our grievances with Verizon is to get them some publicity. Wade

[rcschnoor]

RidgeRider wrote:

I have pretty much given up on any attorneys helping, even though it would seem to be financially profitable for them. But, I remain open to other possibilities.

Since you remain open to other possibilities, it COULD be these attorneys don't see it as being financially profitable. They MAY think you don't have a case. I am assuming here, but you probably don't want to fork over a hefty retainer(quite possibly thousands of dollars) to these attorneys in order for them to start this case and the attorneys probably don't think they would make enough in a settlement(or judgement) to even cover their costs. THIS could possibly be the reason you can't find an attorney. THIS is the only possible reason I can think why you can't seem to find an attorney to take your case. Especially if it IS a case with merit.

Not saying you don't have a case, but others(including the attorneys you have contacted) may not have the same opinion.

[slowreb]

I don't have another possibility.  After harrassing the cable providers for a year to try and get better than 2gb DSL to my semi-rural house with no results, Verizon became my only option.  Everything happened consistent with the other experiences on this post:  underestimating the data usage for my family, the lure of "free" installation, and the ensuing panicky phone call to Verizon of, "Why is my data usage 15Gb after being connected just a week???  You said 10Gb should be fine based on your estimates, plus the "free" extra 5Gb for the first month should be a good cushion???"  The response was, "Are you using an XBox - those things eat up a lot of data.  Would you like me to up your plan to 20Gb so you don't get overage charges?"  So I can pay $2000 to run a hard line cable to my house, or get shafted by Verizon for the next 10 years until Congress finally wakes up and declares metered data usage unconstitutional. 

First thing- XBox?  Really?  1Gb per hour is what I am seeing on my data usage on MyVerizon.  I put every device on my network on a network sniffer EXCEPT the Xbox because that was NEVER mentioned as being an issue by the Sales guy at Verizon OR by their online estimator:

If my teen is playing 4 hours of online games per day he's flunking school -- there's no way -- and even if he was it would be less than 1Gb per MONTH.  According to the Verizon usage report its over 1Gb per HOUR.  So 4hrs per day is going to be more like 120Gb per month.  So Verizon's estimates aren't just 3Gb off - they are 119Gb off. 

I'll be monitoring the XBox to see if it really is generating that much traffic.  After the other posts here I am skeptical and I feel confident the Verizon data counters are inflated.    Lawyers can't make the necessary changes -- contact your Senators and Representatives at the state and federal level.   We need to get metered data usage thrown out.

[rcschnoor]

slowreb wrote:

So I can pay $2000 to run a hard line cable to my house, or get shafted by Verizon for the next 10 years until Congress finally wakes up and declares metered data usage unconstitutional.

Lawyers can't make the necessary changes -- contact your Senators and Representatives at the state and federal level.   We need to get metered data usage thrown out.

While you are at it, would you please get metered electricity, metered water and metered natural gas outlawed, too? I could really use a break on those items. Thanks.

Edit: Since these are MORE of a necessity than cellular data, it seems THEY should be outlawed FIRST!