What is mobile data usage

Mobile Data Usage – How Many MB Are In A GB?

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Updated 06/11/2025

With many new plans including unlimited calls and texts, the deciding factor is generally how much mobile data they are offering. But you might be wondering, what is mobile data and how much do I really need?

We are here to answer all your related questions, from “what is mobile data?” to our recommendations on how to cut down your usage in 2025:


What Is Mobile Data?  

Mobile data is any information sent or received by your mobile over the internet using the cellular network. This includes scrolling through social media, watching videos, streaming music, making video calls, browsing the web, and using AI-powered apps. We recommend always turning cellular data off when trying to preserve battery life (learn which is the best mobile for battery life in 2025 here).

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How is Mobile Data Measured?

Mobile data is measured in megabytes (MB) and gigabytes (GB). So, when you are selecting your new plan you will see these words being thrown about.

You may be wondering how many megabytes are in a gigabyte? There are 1,024 MB in 1 GB. A byte is the unit measuring memory size.

Your plan will assign you a monthly allowance measured in MB or GB. This is the amount you can utilise before you are either cut off or may face additional charges. We are here to help you understand your usage better, so you can select the perfect plan for you.

How to reduce data usage by using Wi Fi

Now you know the basics you may be wondering how this is relevant to you and your mobile plan. If you are using your phone to check social media, browse the internet, or pretty much anything else then you need mobile data to do that.


What Is Mobile Data: Terabytes to Kilobytes  

Just so we make sure we cover all bases you may hear about these other measurements. Kilobytes are often paired with megabytes, as there is 1,024 KB in 1 megabyte. For example, sending an email may only use a few kilobytes.  

Then we have terabytes. Not used as frequently, but it is still useful to get familiar with it. 1 terabyte is 1,024 GB. You would have to be using an awful lot in order to reach a terabyte’s worth.

1 TB1024 GB
1 GB1024 MB 
1 MB1024 KB 
1 KB1024 bytes 

The Breakdown

Want to know how much data you are using when you are using your phone? Well here is how much certain tasks consume of your allowance.

1 email (only text) 3 KB – 20 KB
1 email (with a photo attachment)350 KB
1 email (with a Microsoft Office attachment)300 KB
Visiting 1 web page150 KB – 1.5 MB
Updating your social media with one photo500 KB – 2 MB
Uploading/downloading a high-resolution digital photo1 – 5 MB
Downloading 1 app, game, or song3 MB – 4 MB
Streaming 1 hour of HD video (e.g., Netflix)1 – 3 GB
Streaming 1 hour of 4K video7 – 12 GB
1 hour video call (Zoom, Teams, etc.)500 MB – 2 GB
1 hour of cloud gaming3 – 7 GB

So with only 1GB of data, you can still achieve an abundance of tasks. Now imagine what you could do with 50GB, or even an unlimited data business SIM only plan!

With that amount of data, you will never have to worry about how much data you are consuming by sending hundreds of emails and joining multiple Zoom meetings. Looking for more apps like Zoom? Read through our post on the best team work apps for connectivity now!

The hands of 4 employees using their business mobile phone models in a group

Did you know that the average UK smartphone user consumes around 8 GB a month in 2025? But when your phone is your job, 8 GB is not going to cut it. Check your current usage and opt for a plan that exceeds this to give you wiggle room for busy months.

More is always better than less data so you never find yourself struggling to stretch it out till the end of the month. This way you can consume data with ease and not have to track your usage every month, because that can get tedious.

iPhone high data usage apps

How To Check Mobile Data Usage?

If you want to check your usage and how much you are consuming, then you can easily do so. Your carrier should provide you with your monthly usage history. Many allow you to do this online or via their app. This is useful when you want to keep track in real-time (especially if you are prone to going over your allowance).

If you use an iPhone:
Simply go to Settings > click on Mobile Data. There you can see your usage and which applications are eating away at your allowance.

For Android users:
Go to Settings > Network & Internet, then click on Data Usage. There you can see and assess your total usage, alongside the impact of each application.


How To Cut Back On Your Data Usage

If you find yourself struggling to stretch your data allowance till the end of the month then it might be time for an upgrade! We understand that this may not be an option for everyone so this is what you can do to save data in a pinch:

Firstly, use WIFI whenever possible:
So if you are home or in the office double-check that you are using WIFI instead of your precious data. Also, take advantage of free WIFI wherever you can!

Check your settings to reduce data usage consumption:
Background app refresh uses up a lot of data, so you can go into your settings and turn this feature off for the apps that you do not need to constantly be refreshing. On some phones, there is even a handy Data Saving Mode that you can activate to reduce your overall usage.

Download your music, podcasts, and documents:
When downloading, connect to whatever WIFI is available to reduce any excessive usage. Remember, utilise WIFI whenever possible. Still using too much? Learn our 5 ways to reduce your mobile data usage now!


How Much Mobile Data Is Right For Me?

So now it’s time to decide how much you need!

A) WIFI dependant

How many mb in a gb

If you are always asking for the WIFI password and hardly use your phone when not connected to WIFI then a low data plan is the one for you. 5 GB – 10 GB is enough for emails, web pages, and occasional posts.

Reduce your data usage across your commute – here’s how to get Free London Underground WiFi for EE, Vodafone, Three, and O2 customers!

B) Google’s best friend

Are you constantly searching for directions, new places to go, and the answer to your million questions, then a larger plan is the one for you. You can get your answers in a click, send emails and even join a few video calls all with 10-20GB of data.

C) Social media fiend

If social media is a huge part of your job and you need to update all platforms when on the go then 50-100GB should be the perfect amount for you. With this, you’ll have enough data to stay connected and upload your every move. Time to get scrolling!

D) For those that never stop

If you are constantly on video calls, answering emails, updating socials, and streaming a few videos when you get a second to breathe then unlimited data is the one for you. Perfect for those who find themselves without WIFI but need data to keep up with their chaotic schedule. With an unlimited plan, you don’t have to be frugal and never have to panic about eating up your data.


FAQs

What uses the most mobile data in 2025?
In 2025, the biggest data consumers are 4K video streaming, cloud gaming, high-quality video calls, and large app updates. For example, streaming one hour of 4K video on Netflix or YouTube can use 7 GB to 12 GB depending on bitrate. Cloud gaming (such as Xbox Cloud Gaming or GeForce Now) can consume 3 GB to 7 GB per hour at high settings. Video calls in HD on Microsoft Teams or Zoom use 500 MB to 2 GB per hour.
How much data does the average person use?
According to Ofcom and recent network reports in 2025, the average UK smartphone user consumes around 8 GB per month. This includes a mix of social media, browsing, streaming, and messaging. However, business users, remote workers, and heavy streamers often use 20 GB to 50 GB or more. Teenagers and content creators can exceed 100 GB monthly. Usage has risen steadily since 2021 due to higher video quality, remote work, and 5G adoption.
Can I get unlimited data on business plans?
Yes, all major UK networks (EE, Vodafone, Three, and O2) offer truly unlimited data SIM-only business plans in 2025 with no fair usage policy caps on UK usage. These plans support tethering, hotspot sharing, and 5G access without speed throttling after a certain limit. Check our business SIM only deals to find the best prices for your business needs.
Is 5G using more data than 4G?
5G itself does not use more data per task than 4G; the data allowance works exactly the same. However, 5G delivers peak download speeds up to 1 Gbps to 2 Gbps in ideal conditions (compared to 4G’s typical 20 Mbps to 100 Mbps), which encourages higher consumption.
How do I turn on Data Saver mode?
On iPhone: Settings > Mobile Data > Options > Low Data Mode. On Android: Settings > Network & Internet > Data Saver.

Find The Perfect Plan

Now that you are familiar with all things mobile data, it’s time to decide on the ideal plan. At Businessmobiles.com, we have the perfect plans for everyone. From low usage packages to unlimited data at the lowest prices, what more could you ask for?

So whether you are minimal in your mobile data usage or are consuming it like there’s no tomorrow, we have the perfect plan for you.

Get in contact with us today and book your free consultation, or click the image below. We are here when you are ready – save money on business mobile phones, receive expert advice, and buy only what you need!

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