How much data transmitted with whatsapp / bbm

[eednapes]

I'm using my blackberry (Fido carrier) in Europe so it's roaming and I'm incurring roaming charges. I want to get an estimate of what these charges are. Does anyone have an idea of how much data is transmitted every time I send/receive two or three lines of message?

[Lovable]

Not much, I would not expect to go over 1 MB of text unless you start sending pictures and what not over the network.

[junot111]

Not a good idea IMO. You should turn it off before it's too late

[MkmBandit]

Which carrier are you with? Is it really worth the $5/mb or whatever it is?

[Gee]

Kill the data. Just use WiFi

The charges are stupidly high.

[starboy869]

Unlock the phone and get a uk pay as go sim

[Gee]

Unlock the phone and get a uk pay as go sim

That won't help with his email or BBM

[eednapes]

That won't help with his email or BBM

Correct.

If each message is about 2-3kb, then it'll only cost me 6-9cents per message received/sent. So 100 messages will be $6-$9, and I'm willing to pay that. But if each message is about 5-10kb, then no way.

[psyko514]

That won't help with his email or BBM

If he gets a prepaid data plan, he can get all the email and BBM he wants.


Correct.

If each message is about 2-3kb, then it'll only cost me 6-9cents per message received/sent. So 100 messages will be $6-$9, and I'm willing to pay that. But if each message is about 5-10kb, then no way.

A text only BBM should be between 1-2 KB. WhatsApp appears to be about 8-10 KB based on my current stats (you can see your data used under Settings > Account > Network Usage).

Keep in mind that you might have other apps that use data. Things like email, App World, weather apps, news apps and more all connect regularly to check for updates. Don't be surprised if you get hit with a bill much bigger than you expect.