Mobile Data Cheats

Yogesh Sapkale 27 November 2017

Life

Many mobile subscribers are now on to the fastest fourth-generation (4G) networks; and, yet, everyone still dreams of superfast speeds as promised by the operators. Another complaint of most 4G users is about how fast their data-pack gets consumed even when they have hardly used Internet on their mobile handsets. A 4G system must provide capabilities like mobile web access, IP telephony, gaming services, high-definition mobile TV, video conferencing, and 3D television, as defined by the International Telecommunications Union (ITU). According to the standard defined by ITU, a 4G network should be capable of a download speed of 100 megabits per second (Mbps) for long term evolution (LTE) and 150Mbps, for LTE-Advanced and upload speed of up to 50Mbps.

But, again, these are just standards and, if you ask your mobile service-provider, he can give you many excuses. These include, network coverage (I still am unable to understand what exactly this means), higher number of users, number of apps, especially heavy data consuming apps like music or video streaming used simultaneously by multiple users, and the distance between the user and base trans-receiver station or node (tower).

The coexistence of competing mobile telecommunications standards can also contribute to technological complexity and consumer confusion. As mentioned above, at present, service-providers are only selling 4G SIM cards. However, the service-providers guarantee no speed whatsoever. When confronted, they provide several explanations. And, as expected, not all consumers can even understand these technical terms, except that there is a huge load of users on the network. But this is all bluff. The main reason is telecom operators still use the old network and keep automatically switching users. For example, if you are paying for 4G, then everywhere on the operator’s network, you must get 4G coverage. But, in practice, you are often switched to 2G (denoted by ‘E’) or 3G (H+). This explains why users can never use the 4G data network to its full potential.

Here is a simple trick; but this code may not work on all handsets. Open phone dial, press *#*#4636#*#*. This will open a menu for phone information. Here you can set your preferred network type to ‘LTE only’ for 4G. When ‘LTE’ or ‘4G’ is displayed next to network signal, run the ping test. If both IPV4 and IPV6 tests are passed, then you are on 4G network. But do remember, keeping the mobile on LTE only mode may make it inaccessible where there is no 4G network from your operator. You can also try setting your network on ‘LTE’ mode under mobile network in general settings. But most mobile handsets provide only ‘preferred’ or ‘auto’ mode for 4G/3G and 2G and, in that case, you will have no choice.

You may also want to check the access point network (APN) setting under mobile networks. If you are not sure about any settings, simply tap the menu icon and set APN to default. Another issue faced by mobile subscribers is about the speed with which their data-pack gets consumed. In some cases, background apps (not visible but still running) continue to consume data. You may think that by touching back button or screen, you have closed the app. But it may still be working in the background and sending and receiving messages. Interestingly, many of those who complained about fast data consumption were found to have enabled ‘auto download’ for images, audio files and videos in their WhatsApp. So check, if the same is your case and disable auto download.

Do check mobile data usage of each app installed on your mobile handset. This setting is under networks or mobile networks. Disable background data for apps that you think are consuming more data than required. Social media apps, like Facebook and Twitter, would remain active in the background even if you are not using them. So disable these apps as well restrict use of YouTube or any other video and audio streaming apps.

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