How Much Broadband Data Can I Get With My iPad?

Getting mobile data with your iPad is one of the best ways that you will be able to get online with the device.  However, there are many people who wonder about the amount of data that they will be able to get with the iPad.  These people also wonder about the ways that they can manage the data that they are able to get.  It is important that you understand what determines the amount of data you can get.  You should also look at all the ways that you will be able to manage the data that you are able to get for your iPad.

The Package that You Get

When you look at mobile broadband data for your iPad the first point you have to consider is the package that you are going to be getting. The package that you get is the primary deciding factor in the data allowance.  This is due to the fact that all packages will have a limit on the amount of data that they offer. 

Many people make the mistake of thinking that the longer you take a package for the higher the data allowance will be.  This is not the case because the data allowance is generally closely linked to the amount you are willing to pay for the package.  It is possible to get a monthly rolling contract that offers you the same amount of data as a 12 month contract. 

The Provider You Use

While the package that you are going to get is one of the most important aspects of the data allowance, you also need to look at the mobile broadband provider you are using.  There are many providers that are going to offer you more data than others.  You need to find the provider that offers you the amount of data that you are going to need.  If you do not have the right amount of data then you are not going to be able to use the iPad to its potential.

Determining the Data Allowance You Need

Knowing what determines your overall data consumption is important.  This will help you know about the amount of data that you realistically need to have.  There are some people who will not need to have a lot of data, but there are other people who need a lot of data.  You have to determine which type of person you are and this can be done by looking at where and how you are going to be using your iPad.

The majority of iPad users will actually use the device in their home, which means that you do not have to have a lot of mobile data. If you are going to be using the device in the home you will be able to connect to the fixed line broadband most of the time and won't have to use data from your mobile plan; iPad mini sim deals are usually data-limited and you need to mind how much you use.  However, there are a lot of other people who use their devices primarily when they are travelling or out and about.  These are the people who are going to have to need higher amounts of data. 

Keeping Track of Your Data Usage

Once you have the data for your iPad you need to know about how to manage what you have.  You do not want to accrue excess use charges, or constantly be looking at uSwitch trying to find a better deal that suits you more.  There are three ways that you will be able to track the data that you are using on your iPad.

The first way is through the tracker that you can find on the iPad.  The iPad does come with a tracker that tells you about all the applications that have used the Internet and the amount of data that they have used.  You should be able to separate the information for data from a Wi-Fi connection and data from your mobile broadband connection.  By using this you will be able to track how much data you have used and what you have left. 

The second way that you are able to track your usage is through third party tracking applications.  There are a number of different apps that you can get that will track what your iPad is doing on the Internet.  These apps might cost you a little bit to get, although some are free, but the benefit that you could be getting from them is generally worthwhile. You can assess the exact activities that are consuming your data allowance so that you can adapt your Internet behaviour in the future.

The last way that you can track your usage is through your mobile broadband account.  One problem that you will have with this is that many providers do not have real time information available.  This means that you could be looking at old information, and could actually have less data available to you than you think.  It is important to know how big a delay there is in reporting. You also need to bear in mind that streaming activities could consume your data very fast. You could get a rude awakening when you find out, normally when your bill arrives, that you were streaming when you had thought you had plenty of data allowance remaining.

The Use of Apps

When you are managing your data and what you are using, the first place you should look is your apps.  Apps are what use up the most “background” silent data; when they download and update.  To properly manage your data you should only download and update your apps when you have a Wi-Fi connection.  This is a “broadband rule” that you can set your iPad to in the settings menu. 

When you use the settings menu you should also tell your iPad to only refresh apps when there is a Wi-Fi connection.  The refreshing of apps can use a lot of data, and this is something that many people do not always notice.

Tethering

If you use your iPad connection to tether other devices then make sure that you secure the portable hotspot. In addition, monitor the active and background activities of the devices that are connected.

When looking for a way to get broadband on the go, Phil Turner investigated iPad Mini SIM deals online on comparison sites such as uSwitch.com. He found this page especially relevant, http://www.uswitch.com/broadband/compare/ipad_mini_sim_deals/