Smartphones have become increasingly popular. While this is a great way to stay connected and be productive, it also means that data usage on these phones is on the rise. For those with data plans, it can be easy to review the monthly data allotment and end up with hefty overage charges. Fortunately, several ways exist to reduce data plan usage and avoid overage charges. Here are 11 effective ways to do this: 1. Understand the data plan Understanding the data plan is crucial to avoiding overage charges. Take the time to review the plan details, including the amount of data allotted each month and any additional fees for exceeding that limit. Whether one has a plan with AT&T, Sprint, Verizon, T-Mobile, or US Cellular, familiarize oneself with the specifics to make informed decisions about data usage. 2. Set data usage limits One should set data usage limits on the device to better control their Internet phone plans. One can prevent exceeding their monthly data allowance by setting limits and avoiding hefty overage charges. Take advantage of this feature available on most cell phones. 3. Connect to Wi-Fi whenever possible The best way to save on data usage is to connect to Wi-Fi whenever possible.

A cell phone plan is necessary to access the internet and communicate with others. However, there’s no one-size-fits-all choice. A plan that benefits some may not suit others, so individuals should compare and research their options before signing up for the best one. Unfortunately, many make mistakes when switching cell phone plans, which causes unnecessary hassle. Here are eight such mistakes one should try and avoid as far as possible. Choosing the wrong network provider Choosing the correct network provider is vital to enjoy good connectivity. Our country has three major wireless networks offering different plans and network strengths. So, which one will be the best? To answer this question, one has to research. For example, individuals can use online tools that reveal how a particular network functions in a specific city. These tools evaluate networks based on parameters like upload speed, call performance, data performance, and network reliability. Using the tool is easy. Individuals must visit the website and enter their city or zip code to get each network’s ranking or coverage map. Another way to check whether the new network provider will meet one’s needs is to seek recommendations and reviews from those in the neighborhood. It is a helpful step because a network’s performance may vary from street to street.