Are you on mobile data, but can’t seem to get most out of its speed lately? Don’t worry, you’re not the only one experiencing this at this current time. Especially with the Movement Control Order (MCO) in effect.
No matter how high you hold your phone or point at whichever direction, it’s quite unlikely that you’ll recover the fast speed that you’re accustomed to prior to this. Before you ask, it’s not your phone or mobile device that’s having an issue – it’s because there are more people accessing the data connection than usual due to the current situation.
Regardless of whether using it to stream videos in high definition or to play games online with a group of friends, data traffic will inevitably clog up. Moreover, slowdowns will occur almost oftenly with so many people online at the same time and using data for such purposes.
However, it is possible for users to free up bandwidth in order to lessen data traffic for a smoother experience. Here are some useful tips from Celcom on several ways we can reduce data usage, so that the nation can enjoy uninterrupted fast mobile data connectivity during these trying times.
Moderate Your Data Usage Manually
Without a doubt, most of us will have our mobile data switched on by default, even when we’re not entirely using it. Self moderation sounds like a tedious habit to pick up, but it actually helps ease network congestion.
You can achieve by simply disabling your data connection you head to sleep or take naps, and when you’re out driving to buy your daily essentials. Most would argue that they may receive private messages during these times but chances are, you’re likely to check on them when you wake up or when you arrive at your destination. Plus, messaging while driving is hazardous!
Alternatively, those who have home internet connection should obviously opt for WiFi connectivity instead.
Give Your Mobile Hotspot A Break
Sure enough, some users agree that Hotspots are convenient to use and find that it could sometimes provide faster internet speeds compared to WiFi. However, this approach also consumes incredible amounts of data – roughly 3 to 4 gigabytes a day, even when just surfing the web.
With the MCO recently extended, you’ll definitely want to use your data sparingly as not to exhaust your data quota. So be sure to only use your hotspot if necessarily required, or when your WiFi connection isn’t working.
Disable or Limit Data Usage of Certain Apps
Not many people know that some apps will continue to use data to download or upload in the background, even when you’re not using them. Fortunately, there is a way to either limit this or stop it entirely.
Simply access Settings on your device and navigate to the Mobile Data/Data Usage section. From there, you’ll be able to disable or limit data usage for certain applications. For iPhone users, you can enable Background App Refresh (General > Settings) to further aid in reducing data usage. This limits your phone to only update when it is connected to WiFi.
App Housekeeping
Sometimes, we tend to forget that we may have downloaded a variety of apps which we may not be using after some time. Taking a cue from famed organising consultant Marie Kondo, do these apps spark joy in your life?
If not, it’s due time for you to remove and clean up your phone from excessive apps that you no longer use. This would also free up a lot of space, RAM usage, as well as data consumption. As we’ve pointed out before, some apps still use data even when you’re not using them.
Download to Watch Or Listen Later
We can’t deny that streaming content is definitely convenient, as all you need to do is just click the play button and let Netflix or Spotify handle the rest. But in times such as these where data traffic is heavily congested, you’re likely to experience a reduction in quality in video or audio.
The best alternative to this is by legally downloading the content instead. Thankfully, services such as Netflix and Spotify Premium allows users to download media to be consumed at a later time. One way is to have a reasonable number of videos or music download while you attend to your work or daily activities, thus giving you something to look forward to afterwards.
Remember not to be greedy by binging and keep the bandwidth clear while you enjoy your downloaded content!
Auto-Play or Downloads Will Burn Through Your Quota
On top of downloading updates in the background, some apps (like social media) also have the tendency to automatically play videos whenever you browse content. Handy as it may sound, but it actually deducts data from your quota as well.
The best course of action is to go to each app’s Settings menu and disable any instances that allows it to automatically download updates or autoplay media. Apart from apps like Instagram, Facebook or Youtube, remember to set your Google Play Store or Apple App Store to only auto-update apps only when you’re connected to WiFi.
Compress Your Data To Save Up to 50% of Usage
By now, most of us are aware that media such as music and videos are data intensive, which hogs up plenty of data when transferring or downloading them. Fortunately, using a data compression feature on your phone could actually save up to 50% in data consumption.
You don’t have to worry about losing quality of videos or pictures if you have this feature activated. Data compression will intelligently compress your files without any noticeable compromise in quality and can provide a faster web browsing experience too.
Tips For Home Broadband
In interest of conserving the bandwidth of mobile data during MCO, your household will be relying ever more on your home broadband’s WiFi connection.
Make sure that your router is positioned in the best spot in your home in order for members of your house to constantly stay connected. It’s also advisable to reset your modem and routers after long hours to refresh the internet connection, but remember to inform everyone in your house first!
Also remember to apply the previously mentioned pointers to your home internet connection as well. Lessen home network congestion by having everyone moderate their own internet usage and give each other a fair share of the bandwidth.
Cable Over WiFi
There’s no denying that WiFi is indeed convenient. However, for a fast, stable and consistent internet connection, it’s recommended to rely on ethernet cables instead. This is especially if your household is equipped to support connection by cable, of course.
Having a mix of WiFi and cable users can also free up the latter’s bandwidth, thus allowing for a clearer and faster connection at home.
By conserving as much data and bandwidth as possible, we are doing ourselves and our beloved nation a big favour by reducing congestion. Celcom pledges to keep Malaysians connected so that they’ll be able to stay updated with the current situation and seek assistance when required. For more internet passes, be sure to subscribe via the Celcom Life app on Android and iOS devices, or by dialing +188#.
We #StayIn As One
Celcom believes that a small difference can make a huge impact. With the #StayIn campaign, the company is encouraging all Malaysians to continue staying indoors during the MCO period. We’ve braved a month of social distancing, and together we can take on another two weeks.
You can also support this movement by changing your profile picture/video on Facebook and Instagram with the #StayIn logo, available via this link.
#StayIn, stay safe, and lets curb COVID-19 together.
This article is brought to you by Celcom.
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