How to avoid starting 2024 with an excess data bill

As we gear up for the festive season, data consumption in Australia is expected to soar by 70% on Boxing Day, according to NBN reports. This spike isn't just about online sales or virtual gatherings; it encompasses streaming our favourite Christmas movies, TV shows and music, which significantly contributes to massive spikes in data usage. Along with a 26% rise in social sharing reported by Meta, these factors can collectively lead to a surge in your January data bill. But worry not - there are smart ways to dodge these excess data charges!

Stay connected with Circles.Life’s affordable mobile data plans.

Maximise Wi-Fi usage

Connect to Wi-Fi networks whenever possible, particularly at home or in public spaces. Whether at a Christmas event, shopping, or relaxing at a café, using Wi-Fi helps you reduce mobile data usage. Speaking of cutting down, learn more about reducing your data consumption in our article, "New ways to reduce your data usage 2024".

Optimise your app settings

Adjust your app settings or restrict background data for lower data consumption. Social media, video streaming, and automatic updates can be tweaked to use minimal data. Limiting the frequency of app updates also helps conserve data during crucial times.

Download content for offline use

Before heading out to Christmas gatherings or embarking on holiday travels, download movies, music, and maps for offline use. This way, you won't rely on streaming services or data for navigation when away from Wi-Fi. Unsure how much data you might need? Our article on "How much data you need based on your phone habits" can help.

Disable automatic app updates

Prevent automatic updates from draining your data by disabling them or setting updates to occur only via Wi-Fi. Updating apps manually in a Wi-Fi zone gives you better control over data usage.

Limit streaming quality

If you can't resist streaming your favourite holiday tunes or movies, consider adjusting the streaming quality. Lowering the resolution on video streaming services and opting for lower bitrate music streaming can substantially reduce data usage without compromising too much on quality.

Curious about how streaming impacts your data usage? Learn more in our article, "What factors influence mobile data usage? Why does data usage fluctuate?"

Spread the word

Educate your family and friends about mindful data usage, especially on shared Wi-Fi networks, to avoid unnecessary data usage. When everyone is on the same page, it becomes easier to reduce data consumption during festive gatherings collectively.

Embrace smart data usage with Circles.Life

As we celebrate the festive season, being mindful of our data usage is crucial. By following these tips, you can enjoy the festivities without the worry of excess data charges. Remember, staying connected doesn't have to be costly - explore our affordable and flexible SIM-only mobile plans at Circles.Life and step into the new year with smart, data-savvy choices!

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