Mobile internet, how much do I use?

Internet with a tablet or smartphone does not have to cost anything. Because all these devices have WiFi. That is a wireless Internet connection that many people have at home. You can register the smartphone or tablet on it at no extra cost. Operations that consume a lot of MBs are best done within Wi-Fi range. Think of performing updates, installing new apps or downloading photo or music files.

• Using Wi-Fi with iPhone
• Set up WiFi on Android device

Free WiFi is also available outdoors in many places. For example in intercity trains and buses, in cafes and restaurants, in (tourist) city centers, hotels and holiday parks. Public Wi-Fi is just not always secure.

Are you also online in places where there is no WiFi? Then connect to the provider’s mobile network. Most people have a telephone contract with an internet bundle. This means that they are online everywhere for a fixed monthly amount, until the bundle is used up. After that, internet costs more or the connection is slower. For mobile internet on the tablet, you need a separate SIM card and a mobile internet bundle. The tablet must therefore also have an input for a SIM card. These tablets are more expensive to purchase than tablets with only WiFi.

Internet with a prepaid card is also possible. This is especially useful for people who rarely use mobile internet. The rates for prepaid are usually higher than for a subscription.

People receive a certain amount of MBs for a fixed amount per month. The amount depends on the subscription. There are plans with 500 MB, but also with 5000 or 10,000 MB. In addition to the number of calling minutes, how much a subscription costs also depends on the speed of the internet connection, the amount of MBs and the provider.

Viewing mobile websites with a smartphone or tablet does not cost that many MBs. Mobile websites have a different address. For example, it starts with m. or mobile. There are then few pictures and superfluous information is omitted. Frequently used websites such as 9292.nl and Buienradar.nl also have an app. Apps are also frugal with MBs. If you have a small internet bundle, it is better to perform actions that cost a lot of MBs with a WiFi connection. Such as sending a photo or opening a large attachment.

Below is the average consumption of some commonly used applications.

Telecom providers state the consumption in their app and on their website. It shows how many MBs someone has used in that month and how much is left until the next invoice date.