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Does using the GPS function on a mobile use data?


Richard (OldStager)

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Hi all, I recently got my useage records for the last month from my provider , I was a bit shocked at how much I had used based on me mostly only using the GPS Speedo app on an Iphone, I have listened / watched a bit of the TT coverage when that was on, but the screen is so small, I moved over to the PC instead other than that I haven't really used it. I have an old Talex GPS speedo that I can refit if I need to.

I will be needing some sort of speedo in the coming weeks , Speedy Cables messed up my order on the cable.

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  • Richard (OldStager) changed the title to Does using the GPS function on a mobile use data?

I doubt GPS app needs data.

Turn data off next time as a test to see 😊

 

I've used a range of differing GPS apps for driving, walking, biking and none require data to operate.

 

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Well I thought it odd as well, I just don't see where a gig of data went, I do have a 3 gig limit but in the past 6 months I have barely used a few hundered meg. Ever since the GPS app was used the data has shot up, I am wondering if I need to pay for one as this one has ads on it, they must use data to show up on my phone - I can't think of any other reason for using a gig per month.

 

I think I will put the Talex back in, it's way out on its speed camera locations now, but I just need its speedo function.

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Which network are you using , I had this problem with giff gaff only it was eating into my pay as you go stash .

I complained to giff gaff and they showed me how to turn data off . not used for speedo but mostly weather reports 

Incidentally  you dont actually need a speedo . the rev counter does the same job if you know how many rpms you using for a given speed i.e. 70mph = 3000 rpms in 5th gear 

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I've used DigiHUD without issue for just speed.

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7 minutes ago, pistonbroke said:

Which network are you using , I had this problem with giff gaff only it was eating into my pay as you go stash .

I complained to giff gaff and they showed me how to turn data off . not used for speedo but mostly weather reports 

Incidentally  you dont actually need a speedo . the rev counter does the same job if you know how many rpms you using for a given speed i.e. 70mph = 3000 rpms in 5th gear 

Yes Giff Gaff is who I am with, I have found my old Talex unit, which was in the car before I put the phone in it. I have lost the cable for it, so looks like an evening with a soldering iron.

 

6 minutes ago, Onliest Smeg David said:

I've used DigiHUD without issue for just speed.

Does that have ads on it?, as I think that is where the data is being used

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Just now, Stuart said:

Satnav shouldn't use data but if it's giving you traffic info that will 

No traffic info Stuart, not to worried about that as I know where I am going so chosing another route if it's busy is not a problem.

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5 minutes ago, Richard (OldStager) said:

Does that have ads on it?, as I think that is where the data is being used

No

But not sure if I paid a minimal fee for it.

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Normally when you pay, even a small amount it removes ads, I will see if my old unit still works and fit that. Darn Speedy Cables  😡

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The GPS function itself doesn’t, though some systems will use wi-fi and or data from cell towers to improve accuracy.

 

Adverts can pull varying amounts of data down, in theory only a little, but it’s really down to what the app publisher has buried in there under the hood, just what gets brought in. I’ve had phone apps that pull effectively movie clip style adverts in.

 

Also, some apps are storing things in the cloud, pulling maps, weather and all manner of associated data down. Then as someone mentioned, there’s traffic and points of interest files, speed camera updates. It’s surprising just how much fetching and carrying some apps are actually doing.

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Well I found the lost cable, so mounted the unit on the dash, shown here above the Tacho, haven't got the energy to get under the dash again tonight to wire it up, so a job for the weekend.

 

IMG_1254.thumb.JPG.0df4bbd4aa1ee2534c9d4d70a8ea6957.JPG

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I’ve used Google maps in offline mode, having previously downloaded the maps I needed, then just used the in built GPS for location. That way it uses zero data. Did that in the US once without a roaming add-on.

 

As commented, quickest way is to entirely disable mobile data. I carefully pick which apps are allowed to use mobile data.

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Cheers Chris, I don't need satnav, just a speedo. I have gone quite old school as far as maps go, and bought a paper version - remember those 😄, I know where i am  going on this trip and if I do end up going for a run and get lost - well that's half the fun to me.

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Sorry, I was rambling ;)

 

I usually find a satnav will provide plenty of ‘interesting’ diversions. Still use maps myself and the satnav in my MB is a blithering idiot so I never trust it.

 

Can’t recall if I mentioned it elsewhere or earlier, but I fitted a cycle speedo to the car long ago after a diff swap ‘cos I couldn’t be bothered with the hassle of getting the speedo recalibrated.

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