My understanding is it only uses data when actually recording which only happens when either the motion detector is tripped or when you log on to view live. Or I guess it records the video and then uploads that video to the cloud so that's what uses the data, the upload. And yes, you can view the videos in the cloud for up to seven days. And I don't think viewing the videos uses data unless you view them from your cell phone and it's hooked to the cell network. If you're on wifi I think you can view the uploaded videos as much as you want without using data. But I will monitor it for a while to make sure.