The lovely thing about modern technology is you have the answers to almost all the questions you could ever conjure up, all in the palm of your hands. The not so lovely thing, is that this all requires data — a magical resource we cannot see, but we most definitely do pay for, with real money. This is not ideal.
As Homer says, money can be exchanged for goods and services, so obviously the more you can save the better. It’s hard to do this when you’re spilling out data left, right and centre.
And apparently, the younger you are, the more prone you are to squeezing that sweet data juice out of your device at breakneck speeds. According to Vodafone, On average, youths (18-24-year-olds) use almost twice as much data as non-youths (basically everyone else). Just last year, you youngins used, on average, more than 40GB of download data each month.
So, how does one cope when the allure of that data is so bloody enticing? Well pal, you’ve come to the right place. Here are some tips for you data-hungry scoundrels.
Keep track
Okay, first of all, let’s make sure you know how much data you’re using. As Scooby-Doo always says, the first step to changing is admitting you have a problem. So, head on over to the app store and find yourself a handy data tracking app. There are plenty of good ones out there, and most are free, so pick one you like, and get tracking friend.
Take a look-see at your system-wide settings
When you buy a smartphone, its default settings can sometimes be over-reliant on cellular data. They’re not trying to trick you into using more data, rather, these settings are in place to optimise speed. But if you’re concerned about data usage, it might be wise to take a look at your settings.
A great start would be to turn off ‘Wi-Fi assist’ — a feature that automatically switches your phone over to using cellular data when the Wi-Fi you’re connected to is underperforming. Another good move is to turn off automatic app updates on the app store and make sure your photos only backup to the cloud when you’re connected to Wi-Fi.
Download maps
I would get lost on my way to my kitchen if it wasn’t for Google Maps. Luckily, if you’re anything like me, then you can download entire maps from Google and Apple Maps to make use of when offline. So again, wait till you’re in a sweet Wi-Fi zone, and get downloading your favourite routes baby.
Get smart with your streaming
Apps like Spotify and Netflix churn through data faster than a famished beaver in a pristine wood exhibit. Take advantage of Wi-Fi connections and use that time to download your favourite albums or TV shows to watch or listen to offline, that way you won’t be left in tears the next time you have a heavy streaming session — unless you’ve just listened to Frank Ocean’s “Blonde” the whole way through. But that’s on you.
Slow and steady wins the (data) race
Okay Speed Racer, I get it, you need that banana bread recipe now — but in times of less intense desperation, switch your 5G over to 4G. Or if you’re feeling particularly quaint, try switching to 3G for a taste of how your ancestors lived. Sure, it’ll be slower, but it won’t use so much data.
Push your push notifications to the curb
This one is a two-birds-one-stone deal. First off, you’re saving precious data, and secondly, you’re saving yourself the stress of constantly being bombarded with things. So many things — all popping up on your rectangle whenever they damn well please. It’s exhausting. Turn that stress off baby, make a mojito. Enjoy yourself.
Find a better deal
Look, all of this stuff will help, sure. But ultimately, if you want to truly live stress-free and do whatever the heck you please with your device, then the best way forward is to scout a better offer than the one that’s currently got you all stressed in a mess over data.
As students head back to study mode, Vodafone has kicked off the first semester of school and uni with a new batch of deals for students, offering discounts on plan costs and some handy data bonuses across its SIM only and handset plans.
Students who sign up or upgrade to the $45 Lite+ SIM only or handset plan will only pay $40 a month and receive a pretty decent 80GB of Max Speed data per month (for handset plan, device cost is additional).
And if you’re in the market for a new phone, students can get the brand new Samsung Galaxy S22 (128GB) with 80GB of Max Speed data a month for just $74.69 a month (which includes device cost and plan fees) over 36 months on Vodafone’s $45 Lite+ plan.
The offers are available in store and via customer care to customers with a valid student ID. Head on over to the Vodafone site to find out more.
Vodafone’s network will soon have greater reach than ever thanks to its landmark networking sharing agreement with Telstra, bringing 4G coverage to 98.8 per cent of the population and greater 5G connectivity through regional towns, holiday spots and highways.
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