How to Reduce Mobile Data Usage

[Captain Larry-DH]

You may need to limit the amount of data your devices use when you are working remotely, tether devices for Internet, have a poor data connection, travel internationally or use a limited cellphone data plan. I created this document to help in such situations.
For example, using the Verizon International TravelPass plan I have often received the following message:
“You’ve reached your daily 2 GB int'l high speed allowance. Enjoy unlimited 3G data speeds for the remainder of the session. High speed data will resume on your next TravelPass session. Reply 'Speed' to purchase an additional 2 GB of high speed data for $10 to use for the remainder of this session.”

For your devices, start by setting your connection to be “metered” or “Low Data”
This will let the operating system know that it shouldn’t auto-download background content or software updates. It will also trigger some applications (e.g. MS-Office Apps) to limit background network resources.
In Windows 10 or 11:
1. Connect to the network you want to manage.
2. Right-click the Start button, then left-click on “Network Connections” to select it.
3. The status of your currently connected network will be displayed, select “Properties”
4. If needed, scroll down until you can select “Metered Connection”. Select on to reduce data usage.

In iOS (iPad and iPhone)
1. Open the Settings App
2. Select Wi-Fi
3. Select the circled ‘i’ next to the name of the active connection.
4. Select “Low Data Mode”

On a Mac
1. Open Wi-Fi settings to manage your Wi-Fi connection.
2. Select “Details” for your active connection.
3. Select “Low Data Mode” to reduce data usage.

On an Android tablet or Phone
1. Open your device’s Settings app.
2. Select Network & internet. Data Saver.

Microsoft Teams Application
There are currently no controls to limit network usage for the end-users in Teams. Teams will use available network resources, as needed. Users can turn off their own camera to reduce bandwidth, but this is generally not suitable for a presenter. (Putting the Operating System in a data saving mode may help, but I have not tested this).
For organizations – there is an administrative setting that will limit usage for any single user: Technical article here Microsoft Teams Bandwidth Usage Deep Dive

The following were copied from help articles on the respective app publisher’s sites:

Zoom
Disabling HD video:
In Zoom, Go to Settings, click on the Video tab, and uncheck the box for HD video.
Disabling video feed: Although video is a key feature of Zoom Meetings, you can turn off your video to reduce the amount of bandwidth used for those situations where clear audio is a priority.
Click on the video icon and make sure your ‘Start Video’ button is crossed out to turn off video.
For Administrators, there is a more technical article here https://support.zoom.us/hc/en-us/articles/4735015890573-Limiting-network-bandwidth

Netflix
Windows or Mac:
1. Log into your Netflix account using a web browser (Safari, Chrome, Firefox, or Edge).
2. In the upper-right corner of the screen, click the fac icon for your account.
Adjust your data usage settings:
1. You can have different data usage settings for each profile on your account. To change your settings:
2. From a web browser, go to your Account page.
3. From Profile & Parental Controls, select a profile.
4. Go to Playback settings and select Change.
5. Select your desired data usage setting.
6. Select Save.
Netflix App:
You can select the download video quality that best fits your needs.
• Standard is a slightly lower video quality than High quality. It requires less storage space and takes less time to download.
• High quality, up to 1080p depending on the TV show or movie, requires more storage space and takes more time to download.
1. To change the video quality for downloaded TV shows and movies:
2. Open the Netflix app and select More , the 3-dot "More" icon ..., or the Profile icon .
3. Select App Settings.
4. Under Downloads, select Download Video Quality or Video Quality.
5. Select either Standard or High/Higher.

PS - Would appreciate feedback if anyone spots errors.

 

[Leeward Rail]

Nice document.idea


That said, a better solution is to not watch Netflix or use video when using your device unless you have lots of data.

Personally if I wanted international data and phone, I sure as heck wouldn't buy it from a north American carrier. There is a reason why residents in Quebec, Canada are known to be using French/Euro cell providers.

 

[JBP-PA]

Some streaming services including Hulu, YouTube premium, hoopla, netflix, etc. let you download while on wifi to watch later.

 

[Leeward Rail]

Some streaming services including Hulu, YouTube premium

You can download from YouTube without premium. Just use a different non-google YouTube app on an android mobile device.

 

[Captain Larry-DH]

Personally if I wanted international data and phone, I sure as heck wouldn't buy it from a north American carrier. There is a reason why residents in Quebec, Canada are known to be using French/Euro cell providers.

For some travelers, it’s easier or necessary to keep the existing number active (even if it’s just to receive 2FA text messages or to call your bank from a recognized number). Yes, you can use a second device with a local SIM or you can port your phone to a VOIP service such as Google Voice and forward the calls from that. There are ways to jump through hoops to save a buck, but either way it requires some sort of extra expense and inconvenience. It can get complicated.

 

[dlochner]

Thanks for the detailed instructions. We have gone a different route.

Our plan is with ATT and it includes unlimited data and streaming on a device, phone or tablet, and about 2 gig of hotspot data. Typically we use the iPad for streaming video and reading mail reserving the 2 gig of hotspot data for essential tasks that need a computer. When the 2 gig is consumed data is not cut off, it just becomes much much slower.

Our plan also works in Canada and I think Mexico. When out of the country there is a $10 a day charge and to a maximum of $100 per device per billing period. The plan limits are the same as in the US. When we were in the Bahamas, we decided the small cost difference for a dedicated Bahamian SIM card and he ATT plan was not worth the effort.

The cost for the elite plan was not all that outrageous, we were paying around $170 for 2 phones and an iPad.

 

[Project_Mayhem]

Block ads. It's amazing how much faster everything loads

 

[Captain Larry-DH]

@dlochner no plans for Starlink? That's definitely a game changer for many.
In the Bahamas and throughout the Caribbean almost everyone (locals and cruisers) uses WhatsApp for International calling. There's also Skype for cheap International calling to a landline, and Facetime, and Google Voice and Google Meet depending on your preferences.

 

[dlochner]

@dlochner no plans for Starlink? That's definitely a game changer for many. I bought the RV plan last year and will have it when we take our boat to the Bahamas unless the new plans don't seem advantageous anymore. I also have a Wi-Fi router aboard that will work with a Bahamian SIM. I can use Wi-Fi calling on my phone to receive calls and (hopefully) avoid roaming/TravelPass charges.
In the Bahamas and throughout the Caribbean almost everyone (locals and cruisers) uses WhatsApp for International calling. There's also Skype for cheap International calling to a landline, and Facetime, and Google Voice and Google Meet depending on your preferences.

I need my money more than Elon Musk needs my money. The recent confusion over maritime Starlink and the nonsense at Twitter have convinced me to avoid anything Elon has a hand in.

Even if Musk didn't own StarLink, it would be an unlikely addition. Our days of extended cruising are numbered and I can't really justify the cost.

 

[Leeward Rail]

Block ads. It's amazing how much faster everything loads

"DNS66" is a good option for that if you use android devices.

Edit: it installs without "rooting" your phone so it is simple for the average user to install.

What it does: DNS is how devices locate and connect to servers on the internet.
By blocking specific DNS info, your device device won't be able to contact the server that is sending the ad. Result=no data used for the ads.

The best part about using DNS66 on an android device, is that it blocks that same as, on ALL apps on the phone.

 

[Leeward Rail]

Yes, you can use a second device with a local SIM or you can port your phone to a VOIP service such as Google Voice and forward the calls from that

You don't need a second device.
Dual SIM phones have been around for ages, and you have devices that support esim now.

It can get complicated

If you have a modern device that uses esim technology it is dead easy.
No need to get a SIM mailed to you, or getting it on arrival.

Prior to that being available, like every other experienced traveller, I used dual SIM devices, which I originally had to buy online because the north American phone companies liked to lock your phone to their system and didn't have dual SIM phones. As an added benefit the phones were cheaper too.

For some travelers, it’s easier or necessary to keep the existing number active (even if it’s just to receive 2FA text messages or to call your bank from a recognized number).

2FA is easy to authorize or setup for an additional authentication method or second number. You can do it before you leave home, easily, with an esim.

With an esim, I can buy the number and plan, setup any things I want so they accept that for 2FA. I can email or text people my new temporary number BEFORE I leave home.

That number then automatically activates as soon as I arrive in country.
Disable roaming for my normal number and it is seamless.

Last trip to the Mediterranean,.I walked off the plane, my number was active within seconds of walking out off the airway.
Ordered a car, texted the place we rented, called my cousins. Seamless.

I had Unlimited calling and texts Europe wide, and a bunch of texts and minutes for rest of the world and 40 gigs of data for the month. For just under $30 USD

I could easily have got a plan that covered unlimited WORLDWIDE calling, texts plus 40 gigs of data, for less than I pay here in Canada for a Canada only plan.

The biggest hassle is choosing a carrier via an online search.

But...There are now a few phone apps that make that dead easy. You choose the country, choose plan from a few different carriers, and click...
Esim purchased, and installed all within the app. But you pay extra for the privilege.

Fwiw: you can even buy phones that support 4 SIM cards. Great for having business and personal numbers on the same phone, with separate carriers for your data plan if required.

 

[Captain Larry-DH]

Thanks for the detailed instructions. We have gone a different route.

Our plan is with ATT and it includes unlimited data and streaming on a device, phone or tablet, and about 2 gig of hotspot data. Typically we use the iPad for streaming video and reading mail reserving the 2 gig of hotspot data for essential tasks that need a computer. When the 2 gig is consumed data is not cut off, it just becomes much much slower.

Our plan also works in Canada and I think Mexico. When out of the country there is a $10 a day charge and to a maximum of $100 per device per billing period. The plan limits are the same as in the US. When we were in the Bahamas, we decided the small cost difference for a dedicated Bahamian SIM card and he ATT plan was not worth the effort.

The cost for the elite plan was not all that outrageous, we were paying around $170 for 2 phones and an iPad.

If you work remote and do long or multiple online meetings you will easily chew through the 2GB daily allowance, especially if using MS-Teams, and the "much much slower" will not be enough performance for acceptable online meetings. (I suspect it's designed that way, and they might even add extra latency to 'incentivize' you to buy the extra data). A rainy day at anchor can also chew through 2GB of data if you watch video. That's why it helps to know how to limit bandwidth.
Or, you can read.

 

[dlochner]

A rainy day at anchor can also chew through 2GB of data if you watch video.

On my plan, streaming video on a device, phone or tablet, does not count towards the data cap.

 

[Leeward Rail]

When out of the country there is a $10 a day charge and to a maximum of $100 per device per billing period

That is similar to the cell plans in Canada.
The fee varies depending on the country you visit, but after that your normal plan applies.
That said, 3 days of the "Roam Like Home" fee was the same price we paid for the unlimited euro plan we had for the whole trip in January.

I would assume you could avoid the "per device" situation by using a WiFi hotspot on a single device.

 

[Captain Larry-DH]

On my plan, streaming video on a device, phone or tablet, does not count towards the data cap.

Interesting that they’re interrogating your data stream. Hmmm, that might be a Pandora’s box.

 

[Leeward Rail]

Interesting that they’re interrogating your data stream. Hmmm, that might be a Pandora’s box.

It is commonly used to adjust for different traffic types. My home router can do it.
Every commercial router your data goes through does it.
QOS. (Quality of Service) Your home router likely too.
More or less, It is for optimizing traffic for the speed required for a given task.

The carrier likely just doesn't bother counting the bytes used for that data type.

QOS doesn't need to track which specific file or stream you are downloading, it just knows it is video streaming data, vs audio etc based on data tags.

 

[dlochner]

Interesting that they’re interrogating your data stream. Hmmm, that might be a Pandora’s box.

Anonymity is long gone. Some sites now know if a connected device is using a VPN and will block access. VPNs are favorites of hackers and other nefarious types.

 

[Leeward Rail]

Some sites now know if a connected device is using a VPN and will block access. VPNs are favorites of hackers and other nefarious types

Depends on the VPN. Some work fine..just don't expect Mozilla vpn or the more common ones to always work. I use VPN on all our devices. Great when travelling and you want to connect to home securely.

VPN is used for secure connections for data traffic. Commonly used by companies for their remote workers. As the name Virtual Private Network implies, it creates a "tunnel" across public networks, so when you connect to your starling/WiFi/cell it is like connecting directly to the network at your office. Of course it can also be used to make it appear like you are in the country the exit node is located in.

That can be very helpful. For example, Gmail gets worried if you suddenly log in from a different country. If you go on a trip, it can get worried and therefore ask for authentication via sending a text message to your cellphone. If you don't have your phone allowing roaming, you get locked out of your account. Same thing happens with all sorts of apps in the interest of security. You can solve that by using a VPN so it looks like you never left home. Much less hassle.
Before I used a VPN, I once got locked out of all my email accounts, while on a trip, because I stupidly checked my mail, and the phone number it used for confirmation was back home.

 

[Peggie Hall HeadMistress]

I talk, text and exchange photos and videos with a surprising number of boat owners all over the world. My unlimited cell plan includes Canada and Mexico, but for years I used a combination of Skype and email for everywhere else...until someone in Capetown SA introduced me to WhatsApp, which allows you to use your phone internationally without ANY additional charge. The only downside might be that both parties have to be WhatsApp subscribers, which is not a big deal because it's a free app. When I notified my friends in other countries that I was dumping Skype for WhatsApp, most of 'em replied, "about time...what took you so long?" I've never needed to know whether it's possible to stream using it, but it has come in very handy for communicating from anywhere with anyone anywhere else that also has it---and a cell phone too, of course--without the need for any expensive "international pass" from your carrier.

And I suspect that at least a few of you already know about WhatsApp and use it.

--Peggie

 

[dLj]

I talk, text and exchange photos and videos with a surprising number of boat owners all over the world. My unlimited cell plan includes Canada and Mexico, but for years I used a combination of Skype and email for everywhere else...until someone in Capetown SA introduced me to WhatsApp, which allows you to use your phone internationally without ANY additional charge. The only downside might be that both parties have to be WhatsApp subscribers, which is not a big deal because it's a free app. When I notified my friends in other countries that I was dumping Skype for WhatsApp, most of 'em replied, "about time...what took you so long?" I've never needed to know whether it's possible to stream using it, but it has come in very handy for communicating from anywhere with anyone anywhere else that also has it---and a cell phone too, of course--without the need for any expensive "international pass" from your carrier.

And I suspect that at least a few of you already know about WhatsApp and use it.

--Peggie

I've been using WhatsApp for years now. The only limitation is you have to have internet access when using it.

A true story - I was traveling with family and we were in Barcelona. The day of the terrorist attack on las Ramblas, my wife and I were in the Maritime Museum and our two daughters had decided to spend that day on their own. The Maritime Museum is a couple blocks from where the attack took place. When it happened, they closed the museum and kicked us out. We had no idea what was going on until we got to the street and found out what had just happened. We had no way to contact our daughters as we were all using WhatsApp and none of us had wifi access. It took the four of us a couple hours to find a place where we both had wifi and could communicate. It was a rather stressful couple hours for especially our daughters as they knew were we had gone and knew we were very close to the incident. Of course the parental side also had it's stress because we didn't know exactly where the two girls were, although as they had said they'd hit the beach, I wasn't too worried (they'd had other plans apparently, but that's another story...)

dj