News
Report: iPhones average over 250MB of data use per month
By Charles Starrett
Contributing Editor
Published: Monday, February 15, 2010
News Categories: iPhone
According to new research performed for Consumer Reports by bill analysis company Validas, iPhone users account for nearly twice as much data usage as the average non-iPhone smartphone user. The study found that iPhone users consume 273 MB of data per month on average, compared to just 54 MB for BlackBerry users and 150 MB for users of other smartphone platforms. Additionally, 12 percent of iPhone users consume at least 500 MB of data per month, and a third of those users consume more than 1 GB of data. Validas’ data is based on user-submitted electronic bills from nearly 14,000 individual consumer wireless cell phone lines, including 757 iPhone and 783 BlackBarry lines. [via Mac Rumors]
Related Stories
- Apps: Can Knockdown 3, eBay 3.0/2.3, Jungle Book + Sonic the Hedgehog 2.0
- Apple patent filing uses multiple devices to light a scene
- Google: iOS Hangouts, new Maps, Music All Access + More
- In-flight e-device guidelines still up in the air
- Apple sued over iPhone 4 power button failures
- Watch ABC app streams live TV programming
Comments
If you have a comment, news tip, advertising inquiry, or coverage request, a question about iPods/iPhones/iPad or accessories, or if you sell or market iPod/iPhone/iPad products or services, read iLounge's Comments + Questions policies before posting, and fully identify yourself if you do. We will delete comments containing advertising, astroturfing, trolling, personal attacks, offensive language, or other objectionable content, then ban and/or publicly identify violators.
Recent News
- iLounge Weekly arriving Monday, giveaway reminder
- Report: BBM iOS app won’t support iPad at launch
- Report: iRadio might miss WWDC debut
- Fair Labor Assoc.: Foxconn, Apple still exceed work hours
- CW to bring content to Apple TV
- Moshi debuts aluminum USB Cable with Lightning Connector
- Cook talks Apple’s taxes ahead of Senate testimony
- iLuv intros Aud 5 Lightning speaker dock for iPhone 5
- Apps: Can Knockdown 3, eBay 3.0/2.3, Jungle Book + Sonic the Hedgehog 2.0
- Apple releases iTunes 11.0.3 with new Mini Player
Recent Reviews
- BlueFlame 2M Charge and Sync Cable with Lightning Connector
- HMDX Jam Party Bluetooth Wireless Stereo Speaker
- Logitech Harmony Ultimate Universal Remote Control
- MyCharge Freedom 2000 Battery Case for iPhone 5
- Nike Nike+ FuelBand
- OCDesk OCDock for iPhone 5
- Bluelounge MiniDock (With Lightning Connector)
- Mophie Juice Pack Powerstation Pro
- PhoneSuit Flex Pocket Charger
- Olloclip Quick-Flip Case + Pro-Photo Adapter for iPhone 5
Recent Articles
- Calendar info disappears after iCloud restore
- Remove old iCloud backup after restoring to a new iPhone
- Setting up a ringtone in iTunes
- Using a Wi-Fi hard drive with an iPad
- Backing up and restoring an iPod classic
- Can’t restore iPod touch without passcode
- Retaining older versions of Apps during an iOS Restore
- Can’t eject iPod nano without closing Firefox
- Can’t change iTunes Apple ID to iCloud e-mail address
- Effect of erasing an iPhone on the Find My iPhone feature


1
I average 670MB.
Posted by Galley in Greenville, SC on February 15, 2010 at 8:57 AM (PST)
2
The reason for the consumption is Google Maps. All else is just gravy.
Posted by Nick in Nashville TN on February 15, 2010 at 9:07 AM (PST)
3
Interesting: if you assume that the 12% who consume 500MB+ per month is made up of 4% who consume exactly 1GB and 8% who consume exactly 500MB (the minimum usage that meets the requirement of this statement, in other words), the average usage of the remaining 88% of iPhone users is 260MB/month. Given that this figure is almost certainly an overestimate, it makes the iPad’s 250MB/month 3G data plan sound like a pretty reasonable option for a large number of users.
Posted by celtic_elk on February 15, 2010 at 9:46 AM (PST)
4
@3: Whoops - math error. The remaining 88% average 193MB/month.
Posted by celtic_elk on February 15, 2010 at 9:46 AM (PST)
5
I get my substantial data use is from all my different app’s on my iPhone. Mostly my GPS enabled one’s and games. AT&T should make data packages for those with high data usage to minimize the data traffic.
Posted by simplymejeff on February 16, 2010 at 8:13 AM (PST)