data usage

Whether it's 3G, 4G, LTE, or EDGE, it doesn't really matter which data network is powering my iPhone's data — all I want to know is this: how long is it going to take this Instagram photo to upload? Sexy ads with Catherine Zeta-Jones lookalikes on motorcycles boasting 4G mobile broadband and LTE are enough to convince some consumers of "superfast" cellular speeds. And while that network performance quality may be true nationwide, be wary that true speeds are largely dependent on your area. Most speeds among wireless carriers vary from city to city and even between neighborhoods.

Since Black Friday, Cyber Monday, and the gift-giving season are upon us, chances are you might be opting for a new phone and a new carrier, too. Mobile network speeds should be a top consideration because, if you're anything like me, watching the dance of the swirling icon makes your blood boil. Find out whether you should stay with your current carrier or jump ship with these data speed testing apps for iPhone and Android.

iOS

• Speedtest.net Mobile Speed Test (free) — With one tap, Speedtest.net tests mobile connections in less than 30 seconds. Discover download and upload times, and then track past tests and share your results. If downloading the app isn't available to you, just point your mobile browser to SpeedTest.net.
• QIP Speed Test (free) — QIP anonymously uploads data speeds to their network's service map, so users can run a speed test and see how they compare with speeds in their area.
• Cisco Global Internet Speed Test (free) — This app has a user-friendly UI and measures connection speeds relative to WiFi and cellular speeds based on location.

Speed testing apps for Android after the break.

Bloomberg released a report today detailing how Siri has caused a jump in data usage for iPhone 4S customers. Utilizing Siri's voice recognition abilities to send texts, emails, get directions, and more, iPhone 4S users have been shown to use double the amount of data than that of iPhone 4 owners. AT&T and Verizon customers are familiar with the pain (and cost) of going over data limits, so staying on top of usage has become an important part of owning a smartphone. How can you check your iPhone's data usage? Read below to find out!

There are a few ways to check your usage, one being to head to AT&T's wireless website, log into your account, and create a billing report (under " Bills and Payments," click "Create Billing Report," and "Data Usage Trend"), which gives you a detailed graph on how much data you're using. You can also estimate how much you use with your provider's online data calculator. You can find your usage for Verizon and Sprint by logging into your accounts, but you can also check your data usage right on your phone.

First, head to your iPhone's settings app. Scroll down to "General," then click on "usage." You'll see your minute breakdown, but at the very bottom you'll see your data usage (sending and receiving) over the cellular network. If you've never reset your stats, you'll find that this number will be fairly high. You can reset your statistics today (by hitting the "Reset Statistics" button at the bottom of the screen), and check back in a week to get a rough estimate of just how much bandwidth you're eating up each month.

Be alert consumers! A class action lawsuit has revealed that millions of customers may have been overcharged by AT&T, reports MSNBC. The lawyers handling the case hired a computer firm for $80,000 to test the gadgets against different carriers and found that AT&T "systematically overstated the amount of data used on virtually every transaction."

In fact, the company is being accused of routinely overcharging about seven to 14 percent on iPhones and iPads for data usage. However, there are cases in which the firm has overcharged up to 300 percent. These overcharges can on average cost you about an extra $10 to $15 a month.

Further, you might also be susceptible to "phantom" charges — engineers bought a new iPhone and disabled software and functions that would trigger data charges, and received a bill that charged them for 35 "phantom" transactions. AT&T customers, here are some tips to save on data usage and your money:

• Check your data usage. Track your data usage constantly, just like you check your minutes and your texts. Take note of any transaction that doesn't sit right with you.
• Use WiFi. When you can, use WiFi to reduce data usage and take advantage of the unlimited WiFi plan.
• Check quickly with these shortcuts. Call *DATA# on your cell or download the myAT&T app to check the data usage.
• Turn data roaming off when overseas. Don't end up with a huge bill after your travels and turn the data roaming on your phone off when you're abroad. Use WiFi instead and consider temporarily purchasing the firm's international data packages if you have need of it or will be overseas for a long length of time. For more ways to save when you're away from home, tech-savvy GeekSugar advises to turn your "Fetch" and "Push" functions off, Skype, and load up on offline apps before your international trip.