What you need to know about 3G+ data charges

As part of its program to modernize and digitalize its entire core communications network, Cable & Wireless (CWS) successfully completed the roll out of its new state-of -the-art 3G+ mobile network across Mahe, Praslin and La Digue in early December 2011. Customers are now able to get the most out of their 3G ready devices, e.g. BlackBerry®, Smartphone, tablet, laptop, etc. on the back of the best mobile network in the country.

Ever since the launch of the new network, customers have been experiencing a superior data performance at much faster speeds than ever before - effectively using more data in less time. Already the statistics are showing huge increases in data usage by customers as they continue to enjoy a vastly improved Mobile Internet service.

As many customers have significantly increased their use of data while making the most of the 3G+ Network, they are also being charged accordingly and, as a result, can expect to see an increase on their monthly bill.

Below are a set of questions and answers that have been designed to help customers better understand and manage their 3G+ service with CWS.

Why is my recent bill so high?

This may be due to your increased data usage. The roll out of our 3G+ nationwide network has resulted in faster mobile internet speeds (up to 10x faster than 2G). Thus, you are now getting the most out of your 3G ready device wherever you go. Activities such as streaming, running and downloading applications will contribute to your higher data usage charges.

I haven't changed my mobile phone habits. How am I being charged more for using my phone as I normally do?

Since the 3G+ network is operating at speeds which are much faster than a 2G network (up to 10x faster), this means that you are consuming more data in less time. So, even though you are spending more or less the same time on Mobile Internet services, you are actually getting a lot more done. And you are charged for the amount of data that you use, not the amount of time you spend using data services.

I hardly use data, why are the charges so high?

With the new 3G+ network, you are able to get the most out of your Smartphone. Hence, the preloaded applications that you may have running in the background on your phone (e.g. weather, sports updates, social network live feeds, etc), which you may not be aware of, will be consuming data if you have not turned off automatic updates on your phone.

How can I avoid another high bill next month?

- Purchase Data Boosters, which allow you to buy bundles of data at discounted data rates by dialing #155#

- Monitor your booster usage by dialing #125# to ensure you stay within your booster allowance and therefore continue to enjoy discounted data rates.

- Monitor your interim bill by making use of our online e-billing service at www.cwseychelles.com. Visit any Customer Services Centre to apply for Cable e-Bill.

- Familiarize yourself with your Smartphone. Ensure you know which data "greedy" apps are running and how to switch off or manage them.

- Plug & Play Internet customers can also monitor their usage on the self care website (www.selfcare.sc) and move up to a higher package if they are continuously going over their monthly allowance.

I want proof that I have used more data, show me the websites I browsed or what I have downloaded.

Currently we cannot show you your specific data usage details, however, we can show you the amount of data you have used and the various times during the day you have been using it. Please ask at any Customer Services Centre for these details.

Why is my Prepaid Main Balance depleting so quickly even if I haven't changed my mobile behavior that much?

You may have preloaded applications automatically running in the background on your Smartphone and this consumes data. Get to know your Smartphone so you can switch these apps off or manage them and your data usage as a result.