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Mobile Data FAQ - Globe Help & Support

Mobile Data FAQs for Globe Prepaid and Postpaid

What is mobile data?

Mobile data is the internet connectivity provided by cellular networks to mobile devices like smartphones and tablets. It allows you to access the internet, browse websites, use online services, stream media, and download files on your mobile device without needing a WiFi connection.


What are the different kinds of mobile data?

There are several types of mobile data you may encounter:

  • 2G: This is the older and slower type of data connection. It's suitable for basic tasks like checking emails, or using messaging apps like WhatsApp.
  • 3G: This is a faster data connection that allows for smoother web browsing, video streaming, and use of social media apps like Facebook or Instagram.
  • 4G LTE: This is the most common mobile data type. It enables high-speed internet access, ideal for HD video streaming on platforms like Netflix or YouTube, online gaming, and downloading large files or apps.
  • 5G: This is the latest generation of mobile data, delivering even faster speeds and increased network capacity. It supports advanced applications like AR/VR experiences, cloud gaming, and IoT devices. It is accessible using a 5G-compatible handset in areas where 5G is present.

How do I use mobile data?

You need to have a phone that’s capable of connecting to data and make sure that the data is turned on. To turn your data on:

  • Android
    • Go to: Settings > Wireless & networks > Mobile network > Mobile data
  • iPhone
    • Go to: Settings > Cellular > Cellular Data

How much does it cost to connect to mobile data?

For Prepaid:

We suggest that you register to a data promo for more affordable rates. Our lowest promo is Go50, P50 for 5GB of data valid for 3 days. Check the GlobeOne app to find the best data promo for you. 


For Postpaid:

Your postpaid plan comes with built-in data allowance that you can monitor using the GlobeOne app. When your data promo runs out, your browsing will be put on hold and will resume when you’re registered to a promo again. When this happens, you will receive a notification called SurfAlert to protect you from unexpected browsing charges.


To register to a data promo, check the GlobeOne app to find the best one for you. Our most affordable promo is GoBOOST199, which gives you additional 5GB of data valid for 15 days for just P199.

How much data is consumed for common online activities?

The following information will give you an approximate idea of how much data is consumed:

  • Web browsing: On average, loading a single webpage without heavy media content can use around 1-3 MB of data.
  • Email: Sending or receiving text-based emails typically consumes only a few kilobytes of data per message.
  • Social media: Browsing social media platforms such as Facebook or Instagram, can use anywhere from 10-100 MB per hour, depending on media-rich content and video autoplay settings.
  • Music streaming: Streaming music on platforms such as Spotify or Apple Music at the standard quality (about 96 kbps) uses approximately 0.72 MB per minute, which is roughly 43 MB per hour.
  • Video streaming: Streaming video content on platforms such as YouTube or Netflix can vary greatly based on the resolution. For example, streaming at standard definition (480p) can consume around 0.7-1 GB per hour, while streaming in high definition (1080p) can range from 2-4 GB per hour or more for ultra-high definition (4K) content.
  • Online gaming: Online gaming typically uses around 20-100 MB per hour, depending on the game, with multiplayer or graphics-intensive games generally using more data.
  • Video calls: Video calls on platforms such as Skype or Zoom can use approximately 300-500 MB per hour, depending on the video quality and duration of the call.
  • File downloads: Downloading apps, files, or software updates can vary widely in size, ranging from a few megabytes to several gigabytes.

Why is my mobile data getting consumed faster?

The following are some of the reasons why your mobile data gets consumed faster and what you can do to manage it:


  • Background data usage / automatic app updates: Apps on your device may update automatically, consuming data in the background. For example, if you have several apps set to auto-update, they can collectively use up a substantial amount of data over time.

What to do: Turn your phone’s “Low Data Mode” (Android) or “ Data Saver” (iOS) on to stop automatic app updates and other background tasks from using your mobile data.

For Android

Go to: Settings > Data Usage > Data Saver > Turn On Now

Data Saver for Android

For iOS

Go to: Settings > Cellular Data > Cellular Data Options > Data Mode > Low Data Mode

Data Saver for iOS
  • Streaming apps: Video streaming platforms such as Netflix and Youtube, and music services like Spotify can consume significant amounts of data, especially when streaming in high definition.

What to do: Adjust the video quality on streaming apps to control your data usage.


Facebook

Go to: Settings > Media > Data Saver

Facebook Data Saver

TikTok

Go to: In App Settings > Data Saver

TikTok Data Saver

Netflix

Go to: In App Settings > Cellular Data Usage > Save Data

Netflix Data Saver

Youtube

For iOS

Go to: Settings > Video Quality > Preferences > On Mobile Networks > Data Saver

YouTube Data Saver

For Android

Go to: Settings > Data Saving > Data Saving Mode

Note: Video quality will automatically change to Data Saver once Data Saving Mode is on.

Android Data Saving Mode
  • Video autoplay: Social media platforms such as Facebook or Instagram often autoplay videos as you scroll through your feed. This feature can lead to significant data consumption if left unchecked.

What to do: You may go to the app settings to deactivate autoplay or choose to autoplay videos on WiFi only.

  • Push notifications: Notifications from various apps can trigger data usage as they constantly update in the background.

What to do: Disable unnecessary push notifications or limit them to essential apps only.

Other reasons why your mobile data gets consumed faster:

  • File downloads: Downloading large files such as movies, software updates, or game installations can quickly eat into your data allowance.
  • Signal strength: Data consumption is directly related to signal strength. This means the stronger the signal, the more data you consume.

How do I monitor how much data I have left?

There are 3 different ways to check your remaining mobile data:

  • Open your GlobeOne app. Your remaining data will appear on the app’s dashboard.
  • Text DATA BAL to 8080 for free.
  • Dial *143# for free and select MyAccount > Data Balance.

Why did my data get fully consumed before promo expiry?

Your data may be fully exhausted before promo expiry, depending on your usage. For example, if you’re registered to Go50 with 5GB of data valid for 3 days, you may fully consume 5GB before the 3rd day if you connect to the internet or use apps more frequently.

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