The way the internet has become the backbone of modern life is nothing short of fascinating. From keeping in touch with loved ones to streaming movies, it has fueled the interconnected world we know today. And because we use it every day, many people don’t realise how quickly they consume data. Before they know it, they’re hit with unexpected charges.
In this guide, we’ll discuss how to monitor your NBN usage, so you don’t end up with a hefty bill month after month. You might have the best NBN plans Canberra has to offer, but if you don’t know how to manage your usage, you run the risk of going overbudget.
What is Data Usage and Why Should You Monitor It?
Data usage refers to the amount of data your household or business consumes through your NBN connection. This could be from activities like streaming movies, browsing the web, or making video calls. Each of these activities uses up a portion of your data allowance, and when you hit your limit, that’s when you might see some extra charges coming your way.
A lot of people don’t realise how quickly data can add up. When you’re too engrossed in the game you’re playing, it’s easy to forget about your usage. Monitoring it also ensures your NBN plan suits your lifestyle and needs.
Everyday Activities That Can Use Up Your Data
We all have our daily internet habits, but did you know some activities consume far more data than others? If you have knowledge of which activities take the biggest chunk of your data, you can make smart choices about when and how you use the internet. Let’s break down some of the usual suspects:
- Streaming movies and TV shows – Watching in high definition or 4K can eat up data faster than a hungry koala in a gum tree. If you binge-watch on a regular basis, you could be unknowingly using more data than you realise.
- Gaming – Online games and their updates can be sneaky data hogs. If you play games that require frequent patch downloads, it’s easy to see your data usage spike.
- Video conferencing – Zoom meetings, Skype chats, and business calls on platforms like Microsoft Teams all consume data, often without you even noticing.
- Cloud backups and file uploads – You might not know it, but uploading large files, such as videos or high-resolution photos, can also chew through your data.
How to Track Your Data Usage Without Breaking a Sweat
Keeping track of your data doesn’t have to be a chore. Most NBN providers offer tools to help you track your usage via their app or online portal. If your provider doesn’t have one, you can use third-party apps to get the job done. These apps give you a snapshot of your data consumption and can even send notifications when you’re getting close to your limit.
Set a weekly or daily reminder to review your stats. Some apps or devices might even allow you to set data usage limits and notify you once you hit a certain threshold. Pretty cool, right? Unfortunately, not everyone takes advantage of them. Be sure you do if you’re really serious about managing your data usage.
Tips for Reducing Data Usage Without Sacrificing Convenience
If you find yourself using up your data too quickly, don’t stress—it’s possible to reduce usage without losing the perks of high-speed internet. Try out these tips to keep your consumption in check:
- Limit streaming quality – 4K looks gorgeous, but it uses a great deal of data. Consider dropping to HD or even 720p when streaming.
- Schedule large downloads – If possible, download big files or updates during off-peak hours, when data usage tends to be slower and less congested.
- Turn off auto-play – Did you know that many video platforms have a feature where the next video automatically starts? You might want to disable it to avoid wasting data on videos you don’t plan to watch.
- Use mobile data for small tasks – Instead of your home NBN connection, consider using your mobile data for checking emails or browsing social media.
Take control of your data usage through effective monitoring. For starters, choose a plan from reliable providers like MATE. The people at MATE would be happy to explain all tiers and answer any question you may have.