How much data do you REALLY need?!

With the newly released unlimited prepaid mobile SIM plans on the Australian telco market it can be hard to know how much data do you REALLY need?

It’s easy to get sucked into the trap of the shiny UNLIMITED mobile data phone plans, where you can scroll to your hearts content. At the end of the day though, if it seems like it’s too good to be true, it probably is (like capped data speed to name one limitation of the unlimited plans, but that’s for a different post entirely!)

We thought we would break data usage down into tasks, so you can easily assess what your data needs are and choose a plan that is right for you and your family WITHOUT the extra spend.

A plan that fits seamlessly into your lifestyle – because let’s face it, you’ll never need LESS data, but you might just be wasting your money with a plan that is TOO big for your daily needs.

Here is a quick rundown on how much data you use with daily tasks:

 

  • 1 email (text only): 3 KB – 20 KB
  • 1 email (with photo of MS Office attachment): 300 – 350 KB
  • 1 webpage: 150 KB – 1.5 MB​
  • 1 social media update with photo: 500 KB
  • 1 hi-res digital photo upload/download: 1 MB
  • 1 minute of video streaming: 2 MB – 5 MB
  • 1 app/game/song download: 3 MB – 8 MB
  • 2-hour movie streaming in standard definition: minimum 2 GB
  • 2-hour movie streaming in high-definition: minimum 4 GB
  • 1-hour of video streaming on Netflix or iPlayer: 644MB
  • 1-hour online gaming: 43MB
  • 1-hour music streaming:  80MB

 

You won’t always have the time to monitor your data usage down to the last kilobyte so we’ve established a  few “surfing personalities” and their data usage.

The Casual Clicker

A 1 or 2 GB plan would be enough if you log on sporadically throughout the day to just briefly catch-up on your email and social media activity. If you always have access to Wi-Fi then a minimal data allowance shouldn’t be a problem for watching a few cat videos on Youtube, browsing some news sites and blogs or Facetime video with family. Even better if you prefer to connect in real life & enjoy the moment, rather than snapping your meal on instagram, then a light plan with suit you fine. This type of plan is also perfect for kids that need their phone to and from school (and in an ideal world you need to limit their usage!).

The Must-Always-Be-Connected 

You will probably require 3 to 5 GB monthly if you can’t do without Spotify or Apple Music during your daily commute and if you’re boss expects you to be connected 24/7 to email or slack.  Your slightly higher usage will accomodate more hi-res visuals and videos. Medium data usage can also accommodate enhanced music streaming or downloading and a bit of online gaming. Finding the ideal balance between work and play via your laptop or mobile device will keep you from going overboard with data without feeling that you’re on a data usage diet. Also suitable for times when your kids take your phone and go down the Youtube rabbit hole too!

The FOMO-phobic Fanatic 

If you rarely miss a social update, news story or TV series then 6 or more GB is for you. This type of plan is also suitable for the budding entrepreneur (or multi tasker) with constant social updates.  You don’t want limitations & uploading video is part of your small business or blogging strategy, then it is essential to be armed with bigger data. Heavy users who go big on any online activity and would feel debilitated with limited data – these bigger plans are definitely for you.

To help find your perfect plan visit www.yomojo.com.au/mobile-plans or call 1300 966 656 to speak with our friendly customer service team.