Geezer question about cell phone stuff
I have a really embarrassing question to ask, and since I've always gotten good advice on here about my technical questions, I thought I'd ask you knowledgeable folks for an answer (Please promise not...
Forum Discussion
Maybe we need to take a step back and define some terms so he can make an informed decision. You mention you have a wireless router at home and folks keep mentioning WIFI. WIFI is what you provide at your home Via the router and there are no charges to your Data usage on the cell bill. WIFI is also available in many other places, Starbucks, libraries, most private campgrounds to name a few. I also have found it in my doctor's office, at the clubhouse of our community, many stores, and even at the local hospital. You can set your phone to notify you (or your wife) when WIFI is available so you can switch to it and not activate any Data charges.
One of the largest consumers of Data are things like streaming Data like TV shows or videos. Checking email or searching the web typically aren't big users of Data. Using the GPS function could be a big user if left on for hours at a time. My Galaxy5 on Verizon has a handy app that allows me to check my Data usage anytime.
Both my wife and I are on a shared plan. Neither of us stream much video. We try to use WIFI whenever it is available. I use more Data than she does especially when camping as that is generally the only way for me to come to here and other forums I frequent. We are both on Facebook and have lovely very young grandkids that we like to keep tabs on when we are away. Our plan allows for 3 Gig of Data and we have only bumped up against that 3 times in the 3 years we have had this plan. All 3 times it was on the last day of the billing month so we just stayed off the Web until the next month's plan took effect the next day. The suggestions to ask your daughter to check her bills and see how much Data you 2 used is probably the best way to determine your usage to start. If she isn't able to do that, and if you are an authorized user with her carrier, you could call the carrier and they should be happy to tell you how much Data your wife has used historically over many months. I'd recommend a shared Data plan, not one where you get so much Data and she gets so much Data. As she seems to be the biggest user she can use your unused bandwidth.
One of the largest consumers of Data are things like streaming Data like TV shows or videos. Checking email or searching the web typically aren't big users of Data. Using the GPS function could be a big user if left on for hours at a time. My Galaxy5 on Verizon has a handy app that allows me to check my Data usage anytime.
Both my wife and I are on a shared plan. Neither of us stream much video. We try to use WIFI whenever it is available. I use more Data than she does especially when camping as that is generally the only way for me to come to here and other forums I frequent. We are both on Facebook and have lovely very young grandkids that we like to keep tabs on when we are away. Our plan allows for 3 Gig of Data and we have only bumped up against that 3 times in the 3 years we have had this plan. All 3 times it was on the last day of the billing month so we just stayed off the Web until the next month's plan took effect the next day. The suggestions to ask your daughter to check her bills and see how much Data you 2 used is probably the best way to determine your usage to start. If she isn't able to do that, and if you are an authorized user with her carrier, you could call the carrier and they should be happy to tell you how much Data your wife has used historically over many months. I'd recommend a shared Data plan, not one where you get so much Data and she gets so much Data. As she seems to be the biggest user she can use your unused bandwidth.
