Mobile Data FAQs
What does 2G and 4G mean?
2G and 4G allows smartphone users to access the internet, even without wi-fi access.
The G stands for Generation and refers to 2nd and 4th generation of wireless technology. 4G, the newer generation, is faster than 2G.
2G is deployed on each of our sites around the islands, and 4G is accessible from Stanley, MPC, Goose Green, Port Howard & Fox Bay. If you have a data-enabled device you can access your apps, emails and more, using 4G with one of our data bundles.
What are the advantages of 4G?
You probably check your emails, peruse Facebook and Twitter, keep up with the latest sports scores or generally use the internet on your smartphone over wi-fi hotspots when you are not at home. However, if you are out of wi-fi range your device can use 4G to access those services.
How can I access 4G?
If you already have a Sure SIM card from before the mobile network upgrade, then our staff will be happy to issue you with a replacement SIM card free of charge and assist you with configuring your handset settings.
The process only takes a few minutes and any credit you already have on your SIM will remain the same. If you are a Pay As You Go customer you can purchase data boosters using your available credit, and if you are a Pay Monthly customer you will already have data included in your monthly package.
Is mobile data available to everyone?
Yes, this feature is automatically available on our network to all our mobile customers using a local SIM card but it will not work unless you have configured the settings on your handset.
How do I configure the settings on my mobile phone?
Click here for instructions on configuring the internet settings for your handset.
Alternatively you can contact us.
What if I don’t want my mobile, or a mobile I am responsible for, to have access to data?
Remember if you do not configure the settings on your phone the service will not be accessible, so the choice is yours. There is also a complete opt-out option. If you do not want this service please Just pop into one of our shops or please contact Customer Services for any more information and contact Customer Services and we will disable it. You can continue to call, text and use the Wi-Fi, but will not be able to use mobile internet. In particular, parents may not wish to have the service available on their children’s mobile phones. Likewise businesses who provide their staff with mobiles may also choose to make data unavailable. It is your responsibility to contact us to switch the feature off for you.
How much will it cost?
For all package charges including mobile call, text, MMS and data charges, please click here.
What activities will count towards my data usage?
Most activities on a modern smartphone will consume data, the exceptions being making a phone call, sending a text message, which are charged separately.
Activities which consume data include browsing the web, reading and sending e-mails, browsing Facebook and Twitter, sharing photos, downloading applications, voice-over-IP, Personal Hotspot and instant messaging applications.
Please note that your phone may consume data in the background even when you’re not using it. For example, the weather widget on your home screen will update itself periodically by downloading the latest forecast from the internet. Your e-mail application will also check for new messages periodically.
We have no way of knowing how much you will use and it is entirely your responsibility to understand and monitor your usage.
Web pages differ in size depending on the amount of text, images and other multimedia content on it. Also, whilst most e-mail messages are typically small in size, they can be fairly large if they include attachments such as photographs.
Will 4G drain my phone's battery?
There is little doubt that although smartphones of today are well-powered, you will notice that being in a 4G area will have an impact on the battery life of your phone. This can vary from handset to handset.
How can I see how much data I am using?
Pay As You Go customers can dial *453# to find out how many MBs are remaining on your booster.
On an iPhone, if you want to get an idea of how much data you are using, click on Settings > Mobile > Mobile Data Usage.
Scroll down and you will see Current Period, this is the amount of data you have used in your current billing period (this will typically be monthly even if you are on a Pay As You Go account).
On Android, for example Samsung, you will find Data Usage by clicking on Settings > Connections > Data Usage > Mobile Data Usage.
Scroll down and you will see the amount of data used in your current billing period, and which Applications have used data.
How can I control which Apps are using data on my phone?
On an iPhone, click on Settings > Mobile Data > and scroll down and you will see a list of apps that can or cannot use mobile data. These are all stored alphabetically and you can see the amount of data they are using underneath.
Take a look and see which apps are using the most internet data, and decide whether you want to keep using those apps on the move. If you want to prevent apps from using mobile data (so you can only use them to access the Internet when connected to a WiFi network) tap the green switch next to the app. It will switch off and the app will no longer be able to access the internet through mobile data.
On Android, click on Settings >Connections> Data Usage> Mobile Data Usage
This will show you which apps have and are able to use data. If you want to prevent apps from using mobile data tap the app and turn 'Allow background data usage' off.
What if I have a usage query?
We have no way of giving details on pay as you go data usage. Pay monthly customers who have itemised billing will receive a breakdown of date, time and MB used on your monthly bill. We are unable to give further details on usage. It is your responsibility to manage your usage carefully.
Will mobile data be accessible everywhere across the Falklands?
Generally anywhere there is currently mobile reception you can use mobile data, however in some locations data services may be unavailable depending upon the received signal strength. If for example you are heading away from Sussex towards North Arm, the further you are from the base station the signal will decrease, so you may have a strong enough signal for a voice call but not for data.
Can I use my data allowance abroad?
No. Your inclusive data allowance can only be used within the Falkland Islands. If you go abroad you can only call or text on your Pay Monthly SIM. Roaming charges will apply click on our Roaming Page to see what charges you may incur.
I am a visitor to the Islands roaming on my UK SIM, can I access mobile data?
Unfortunately not yet. This service is currently only available to Falkland Islands SIM cards. But services will be extended to roaming visitors at a later date.
Does data transferred over a WiFi network count towards the mobile data limit?
No. Data transferred over a WiFi network does not pass through the mobile network and will not be counted towards your monthly data limit. For this reason, we recommend you still use a WiFi network for your bandwidth-intensive activities such as Steaming Netflix, Amazon Prime, listening to online radio, making calls over Skype and watching online videos such as YouTube content.
At home should I continue to connect to the Wi-Fi on my broadband package instead of using mobile data?
Yes. You can set your handset to automatically switch data off and connect to the Wi-Fi when it comes into range, for example when you enter your home. We recommend you continue to use your home broadband connection. Mobile data is useful for on the move access to the internet and your emails and is intended to complement your home broadband package but not replace it. Although large and complex sites may take a while to load, the service is perfect for email, Twitter, social networking and using apps that require continual internet access. It also allows customers without a broadband package to use the internet and is particularly popular for pay as you go customers.
I want to stay on a MED package for now to see how much I use, but can I upgrade later to a larger package?
Yes you can upgrade to a larger package for free. Upgrades are only effective from the 1st of each month. Please submit a completed upgrade form to Customer Services at least three working days before the end of the month. Please note Pay Monthly packages remain a 12 or 24 month contract, with no early termination option, but you can move up between the Pay monthly packages.
Can I downgrade to a smaller package?
Yes you can downgrade to a smaller package, but this incurs a charge. Should you wish to upgrade again within 60 days a charge will also be applied. After the 60 day period you can upgrade again for free.
I am having trouble installing data settings on my model of mobile, can you help?
We will do our best to assist you, but handsets vary considerably and there are numerous models on the market. Our website provides set up details for the mainstream models. If you are still having difficulties we will be happy to try and assist.
We cannot be responsible for any problems caused from incorrect configuration of handsets or issues specific to your make of mobile phone.