Everything You Need to Know About Mobile Data

One extra episode can also mean extra data charges.

Mobile data (or “cellular data”) is what keeps you connected when you’re not on Wi-Fi. Every app that sends or receives information, from social media to streaming, uses data. Some use a trickle; others a whole gush.

What Uses Mobile Data?

Pretty much anything that connects to the internet will use data if you’re not hooked into the Wi-Fi. That includes:

• Browsing Google or checking emails ✉️

• Messaging and video calls (WhatsApp, FaceTime, Zoom)

• Social media scrolling (Facebook, Instagram, TikTok)

• Streaming video or music (Netflix, YouTube, Spotify)

• Using maps, cloud storage, or shopping apps

• Updating or downloading apps

💡Tip: Streaming HD video uses way more data than just browsing the web.

Typical Data Usage

💾 1 GB = roughly 1,000 MB.

What Happens If You Go Over Your Data Limit? ⚠️

If you use up your monthly data allowance, don’t worry: you’ll stay connected.

We’ll automatically add 1 GB of extra data for $10 (charged in 1 GB increments). Every time you go over the additional 1GBof data within that billing period you will be topped up another 1GB at $10 per 1GB.

✅ No service interruptions; just an automatic top-up.
❌ But those extra GBs can add up fast, so it’s worth keeping an eye on your usage!

How You’ll Know You’re Hitting your Limit

We’ll send you SMS/email alerts (depending on your account preference) when your data usage reaches:

• 50%

• 85%

• 100%

You can also check your data usage at any time by logging into your SmartCentre account!

⏱️ Heads up: These alerts and data tracking can sometimes be delayed by up to 48 hours, so your real-time usage may be a little higher.

Tips to Avoid Extra Data Charges

• Use Wi-Fi whenever possible (especially for streaming).

• Turn off auto-play videos in social media apps.

• Disable background app refresh and auto-updates when not on Wi-Fi.

• Switch off mobile data when connected to Wi-Fi.

• Manage data usage in your phone’s settings.

• If you’re always running low, consider upgrading your plan 👉 bendigotelco.com.au/mobile-plans.

Device Limits vs. Bendigo Telco Limits

• Device Limits: Controlled by your phone (e.g. Android or iPhone data warnings, screen time limits, etc), not influenced by your plan.

• Bendigo Telco Limits: Set by your plan’s data cap or account controls e.g. spending thresholds, credit limits, etc.

Basically, your phone can help you track your data usage, but it needs to be configured by you on your actual device. Bendigo Telco limits are set by your plan and account, and by exceeding them you may incur additional charges.

How to Manage Device Data Limits

When configured correctly, your phone’s data limits can help provide an accurate and up to date view of your data habits. You can also turn them off entirely. The steps may vary by device, but here’s a general guide:

On Android:

1. Go to Settings → Network & Internet → Data Usage → Mobile Data Usage

2. Tap Data Warning & Limit.

3. Adjust the data warning to trigger when you want it to or turn it off entirely.

4. If you’re keeping it on, make sure the tracking period aligns with Bendigo Telco’s billing cycle for an accurate read on your monthly usage.

On iPhone:

1. Go to Settings → Cellular

2. From here, you can:

   1. Turn data on/off for specific apps.

   2. Enable Low Data Mode to stretch your GBs further.

   3. Reset your data statistics at the start of the Bendigo Telco billing period to track your data usage.

Need Help Managing or Understanding Your Usage?

We’ve got your back. Just reach out to us via any of the methods below!

💬 Web Chat: Chat with us via that little chat button on the bottom right on our website (bendigotelco.com.au). We’ll be online Mon-Fri, 8:30am-5:30pm.

📧 Email: Reach out via email at customerhelp@bendigotelco.com.au

📞 Call: 1300 228 123 (Mon–Fri, 8:30 AM – 5:30 PM AEDT)