Today, most of one’s daily essential activities, from managing finances to watching online content and shopping for one’s favorite items, require secure Internet access. Hence, buying a suitable data plan is essential to enjoying uninterrupted Internet service. Although several Internet providers offer smartphone Internet plans, picking a package that best suits one’s requirements while being reasonable is important. In addition, here are some ways to reduce data plan usage and avoid overage charges:

1. Choose a plan wisely
Not choosing the right Internet phone plan can cause one to incur unnecessary charges. For this reason, it is essential to consider one’s requirements carefully and choose a plan that does not include any additional features. For example, individuals who do not watch streaming videos or play games on their phones should opt for basic Internet plans, which cost less while catering to their needs. Moreover, certain Internet service providers offer cost-saving strategies without compromising Internet quality or speed. For instance, AT&T Fiber® enables users to save up to $20 per month using its exclusive promo code, EXTRA50. Therefore, one should look for plans and providers offering such benefits to users.

2. Check the start and end dates of the data plan
It is essential to note the start and end dates of one’s phone plan, as continued data usage after the plan ends can cause one to incur overage charges.

3. Use Wi-Fi as much as possible
Wi-Fi is one of the most effective ways to reduce data plan usage. In addition to using a Wi-Fi connection at home and work, it is a good idea to look for secure and free Wi-Fi networks in public places like restaurants, libraries, malls, airports, and cafes. However, one should ensure that the connection is secure, as Wi-Fi can become a medium for hackers to extract one’s personal information.

4. Adjust the settings of streaming videos
While streaming videos have made quality visual content easily accessible, they typically consume large amounts of data. On the bright side, most streaming platforms have settings that allow users to regulate content quality and reduce data usage. Some of these features include reducing the streaming quality of videos and audio and downloading streaming content on one’s cellphone while using a Wi-Fi connection to watch or listen to them offline later.

5. Use offline navigation apps while traveling
Navigation apps while traveling can be extremely useful for finding the quickest routes to one’s destination. However, these apps typically consume high amounts of data. One way to reduce data usage while using navigation apps is to download offline navigation apps. For example, OSM is an open-source navigation app that enables users to utilize offline navigation support. Alternatively, many navigation apps allow users to download directions and navigate via these routes offline later. Thus, it is a good idea to download these routes while connected to the Wi-Fi and use them offline while navigating.

6. Block cellular data access for certain apps
There may be a few apps that increase data usage even when idle. Often, one may not require these apps while using mobile data. In such cases, it helps to block cellular data access for these apps and use them only when connected to a Wi-Fi network.

7. Opt for data overage protection or turn on safety mode
Some Internet service providers offer data overage protection, wherein mobile data is paused automatically once a user reaches 100% of the plan’s data limit. Some other Internet service providers, such as Verizon, allow users to continue using data in safety mode. Here, turning on the safety mode ensures that one can continue using mobile data even after utilizing 100% of the data limit while avoiding overage fees. After users have exhausted their monthly data allowances, they may continue utilizing Internet services at a reduced Internet speed when the safety mode is on. Thus, one should opt for Internet service providers offering such overage protection to users.

8. Consider switching to an unlimited data plan
An unlimited data plan is a surefire way to avoid overage charges. Unlimited data plans allow users to utilize the Internet without worrying about exceeding the month’s data allowance or monitoring data usage continuously. Several premium Internet service providers offer unlimited data plans at reasonable prices. These are mentioned below:

• Verizon
  Verizon offers several unlimited data plans in different budget ranges. The prices vary based on one’s requirements, including a mobile hotspot and whether one needs HD-quality streaming services. Start Unlimited, Do More Unlimited, and Play More Unlimited are some unlimited data plans offered by the company.
• Sprint
  All of Sprint’s unlimited data plans include unlimited data, text, and talk services nationwide. With qualifying plans, one can also reap the benefits of free text and basic data with Global Roaming in 200 destinations worldwide.
• T-Mobile
  T-Mobile offers multiple unlimited Internet plans suited to different user requirements. All of these plans entail several benefits, including unlimited 5G and 4G LTE data, unlimited talk and text, exclusive benefits of T-Mobile Tuesdays, nationwide 5G coverage, advanced scam-blocking protection, and exceptional customer care.
• US Cellular
  Two of this provider’s classic unlimited data plan options include the Promotion Unlimited and Unlimited Evolved plans. The Promotion Unlimited plans are suited to individuals with their own devices or those planning to purchase their smartphones at total prices. The basic one-line plan in this category costs $29.99 per month and includes unlimited talk, text, data usage, and SD streaming. The Unlimited Evolved plans offer savings for every line added to the plan. The basic plan accommodates four lines at $30 per line and offers unlimited talk, text, data, and SD streaming.