Wireless home internet: data usage, tracking & more
Our Wireless Home Internet packages provide fast and reliable internet, with all the speed and usage you need. But keep in mind that your data usage depends on your household’s online activities.
Emails and browsing online don’t tend to use much data. On the other hand, watching videos, gaming and using apps can run up much more internet usage. Not only because HD video can make the file size larger, but also because you may not even realize how much you, or others in your household are using.
Automatic software updates or file backups can also cause unexpected data downloads and uploads. Here’s a helpful guide to help you understand your data usage better:
Usage estimates for common online activities
| |
File size estimates* |
What you can do with 200 GB/month |
| Emails with attachments |
300 KB each |
1000 emails |
| HD photos |
2 MB each |
Plus upload 2000 photos |
| Songs |
5 MB each 4-minute song or 75 MB/hour music streaming |
Plus download 2000 songs |
| YouTube™ |
5 MB/minute or 300 MB/hour video streaming |
Plus watch 50 hours of YouTube™ |
| HD movie or sports game: |
5 GB each |
Plus watch 20 movies |
| Video Game |
Can range from a few MB to 35 GB or more for an HD console or PC game |
Plus download four 35 GB HD games |
- 1 GB = 1024 MB, 1 MB = 1024 KB
*These examples are intended as estimates only. The download/upload frequency and size of photos, videos, web pages, file attachments, applications, and other types of internet usage vary widely and could result in your internet usage exceeding your allotment.
Tips for managing wireless home internet data usage
- Check your data usage and usage notifications.
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- You’ll get an email notification when you reach about 75% of your data. We’ll send another email notification when you’ve used 90% and 100% of your data.
- Keep in mind: If you go over 100% of your high-speed monthly usage:
- Reduced speeds apply for unlimited internet packages.
- Check file size before downloading
- This is especially important for video games as they can vary in size significantly (from a few MB to 35 GB or more.
- Online PC and console game stores will list the download size of the game on the store page.
- Turn off peer-to-peer programs when you’re not downloading.
- When you download files using peer-to-peer services such as BitTorrent, you’re not only downloading large files - you may also be uploading files from your computer. Some applications may even stay open when you think they’re closed. Always be sure to completely exit any file-sharing applications when you’re not downloading, and always turn off your computer when you’re done.
- Regularly scan your computer for viruses and spyware.
- Some viruses are designed to send mass e-mails (SPAM) from your system or use your connection to attack other computers on the internet. This may increase your usage and slow down your computer. Spyware and adware pose similar threats, infecting your system and either sharing your information or displaying unwanted pop-ups and banners. Make sure to install security software to protect yourself and keep it updated.
- Make sure your home Wi-Fi network is secure.
- Choose a password that can’t easily be guessed and update it regularly.
- Share these data-saving tips with people in your household.
- Control your household’s data usage by making sure everyone knows and follows these tips.
