The risk of overspending occurs when users are under the false impression that their 3G package is safe to use until the package runs out. This is not necessarily the case. Higher costs can occur when the initial bundle’s capacity is exceeded and a much higher tariff kicks in. The user will then, without knowing, pay the higher tariff.

Users are strongly advised to limit the amount they want to spend or traffic they want to allow. (All this information can be found on your service provider’s website.) On Android your mobile data limit can be changed in the settings.

Also activate SMS and email notifications when your data bundle is close to its limit. In this instance prepaid data is a considerably safer option.

2. Don’t set your e-mail to synchronise automatically. Rather use the manual option and Send and Receive when you need to check your e-mail.

3. Also take care when using sites and apps like Facebook, Instagram Pinterest and YouTube as they use a lot of data.
Apps can be restricted not to use background data when mobile data is activated. Certain apps enable you to compress content (for example Google Chrome) Onavo is a 3rd party app you can use on your phone to do this compression.

4. Set software updates to manual.
The risk of overspending is increased by software updating automatically and therefore generating more traffic. To avoid overspending ensure that the settings of your software updates are set to manual. You’ll be able to choose when and where it’s done and how much data is being used. If you need to do software updates on your phone, only use your WiFi.

5. Another risk 3G users need to be aware of is the excessive cost of data overseas.
Wireless in hotels is usually much more affordable than the local service provider’s roaming data options.

6. Preferably switch off the 3G facility when it’s not being used.
3G users are encouraged to monitor their traffic and data usage on the 3G control programme, as well as the service provider’s website.