We are about to see the start of unshaped iPhone plan disasters reported in the Australia press and blogs over coming weeks. 
Shaping is when your Telco service provider cuts down the speed of your internet connection on your mobile or computer device. It’s an alternative to paying high excess usage charges on a per Megabyte basis above your plan allowance.
The problem is that all the iPhone plans I have seen aren’t shaped so there is potential for overunning your data allowance and racking up a large bill if you’re not the vigilant personality type.
Another risk is that application you have permissioned to silently drink your data in the background while you enjoy your iPhone party?
At 35 cents per Megabyte with Optus as just one example it does make me think there might just be a few high profile accidents waiting to happen.
To find out what you have used so far in your iPhone go to Settings > General > Usage > Received.
Free wireless hotspots and light native applications will help but the reality is that until Telco plans are generous or protective in their design for consumers, accidents may happen. I hope I’m wrong.
Photo: Storem
2 Comments
Hey Marc, hope all is well with you.
Did you end up buying an iPhone? I’ve been surprised at just how lightweight the system has been, data-wise. I’ve been using mine heavily since release, almost a month now, and have only downloaded 115mb via the cellular network. Granted, I do take advantage of wifi at home and work, but I still spend many hours a day out of wifi range.
i’m great! that’s impressive low usage! i have a couple of months left on my blackberry plan and then i’ll get one. been using observing the guys at work with itouch and iPhones to keep in the know. love the device, want the 16Gb because my 80Gb iPod is full of music and TED presos so figure i’ll need it. i can see myself being a heavy user of data.
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