Compare Mobile PhonesCan I compress smartphone data?
Dear Simon,
I often incur extra charges for exceeding my monthly mobile phone package’s mobile internet allowance. My network says the problem could be down to “overuse of internet-connected apps”. Is there a way of squeezing more from my iPhone download allowance without cutting back on my apps?
Ashley, via email on 09 May 2011
Our mobile expert says...
Smartphone users often don’t realise that many apps stay connected to the internet - even while they aren’t using them - so that updates and new information can be downloaded.
Although this feature means you’re always up-to-date, the downside is that you may incur extra charges if your numerous web-connected apps cause you to use more data than your pay-monthly mobile phone deal includes - especially if you use your phone abroad.
But, rather ironically, there is a free app that could help you squash your monthly mobile downloads - keeping you within your package’s download limit and ensuring you don’t get hit with extra costs.
Onavo: Compress iPhone app downloads
The Onavo app surreptitiously compresses data downloads from your iPhone’s web-connected apps, such as Facebook, so that you can do more with your package’s download limit - freeing you to enjoy your iPhone 4 as normal.
The app’s developers state that it works by wirelessly connecting into a “magical shrinking machine” that uses “cloud-based” technology to compress data. But if all that sounds too technical, just think of Onavo as the file compression tool on your PC that helps you send and receive large files - often pictures - over email.
Onavo could help you:
- Avoid costly charges for additional data downloads
- Save up to 80% on your data bill
- Determine which apps are using the most of your download allowance.
Onavo is also a handy tool for when you travel abroad, since it helps you to avoid costly data roaming charges. Read our guide to using your smartphone abroad.
But it’s worth noting that Onavo can’t compress downloads for every web-connected iPhone app. These include apps designed for phone-based video or audio streaming and apps for making calls over the internet, such as Skype.
