Unexpectedly exorbitant cellphone bills are increasingly being reported as smartphone penetration grows in SA. Telecommunications service provider Nashua Mobile says these bills are mostly caused by the automatic downloading of data.
"This can be expensive on home turf, but if you're abroad, it can turn an enjoyable trip into a nightmare."
Nashua Mobile CEO Mark Taylor suggests the following ways of beating bill shock:
1. Stamp out subscriptions: When you download a ringtone, you probably ignore the fine print warning that it is a subscription service with a regular bill. Many only cost R5 a month, but some cost up to R20 a day. "Before you use your handset to purchase anything, read the fine print," Taylor says. "Check your bill, and if you've signed up for something by accident, unsubscribe immediately."
2. Overseas and overpriced: International roaming can produce horrendous bills, warns Taylor. "Data can cost up to R200 per MB and when smartphone apps continue downloading content abroad it can give you a nasty shock." He suggests arranging an affordable limit with your service provider before travelling. "Better still, switch off data roaming via the settings menu in your phone. Then look for free WiFi networks in coffee shops and upload your data for nothing. Your phone normally defaults to using a WiFi network even if your GSM option is still switched on, but you will need to log on to the WiFi network first. If you need to make local calls at your destination, buy a local SIM card when you arrive."
3. Don't bungle the bundle: Smartphone users must buy a suitable data bundle, says Taylor. "Otherwise automatic downloads made by devices can easily cost R2 000 a month. A smartphone without apps is pretty boring, but the apps you download update automatically. If you're on a budget, set it to not update automatically, and only do it when you can get onto a WiFi network."
4. Cellphone theft: If a thief grabs your SIM card, he can run up massive voice and data bills within hours, says Taylor. "Report and block a stolen phone immediately. SIM cards can be stolen from cellphones or least-cost routers without anyone realising - until the bill arrives. Make sure those devices are secure and have a call limit set on the SIM card to prevent fraudulent use."
5. Switch off apps: Taylor suggestssmartphone users ensure they close apps properly when they are not in use. "These include apps such as Facebook, Twitter, weather update apps, live sport apps and GPS/location-aware apps. If you are not logged out completely, the apps continue to run in the background and can use up a lot of your data. For certain GPS apps, download the country-specific maps while in SA to assist with costs. Ask your service provider for a spend limit to be placed before travelling to ensure there are no nasty surprises when you return."
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