Yes, I can confirm that since day one. WIFI usage is not will not be 'counted' in that counter. Also, the OS is pretty smart to prioritize on WIFI whenever it is connected an access point and the WIFI symbol is displayed. By the way, there's a reason why the counter is called Cellular Data. So it must have meant to only count data uploaded/downloaded off the cellular net. WIFI is not cellular.

No, that is not true. We've shown here before that when you're on WIFI, the OS will not use 3G cellular data. As pointed out, they both cannot be lumped together. Also, the applications do not automatically download data unless you're using them. One reason could be because the 'Fetch New Data' is configured to 'Push'. Then the 'Fetch' section is not set to 'Manually'. Thats how the application could be mysteriously using your cellular data. Anyway I have yet to see these issues on my side.

Try monitoring your iPhones at the home screen topside where the telco logo is. Whenever data connection is used, there'll be a clockwise turning animation. That means, it is using data. What kind of connection? That depends if the WIFI logo or 3G logo is shown.

Yeah in which case, the WIFI logo will be replaced with 3G/E logo.

Err... checking weather app would trigger it to update new information from the online servers. That would mean a cellular connection (if you're not on WIFI) and will incur charges even if its just 1kB you use. Maxis runs on 1MB block just like its voice minutes (30 secs per block).

But I think it is high time for Maxis to introduce 1 sec blocks like how other telcos are monitoring. I think Maxis is using this 'monitoring limitations' at its economical advantage.

Agreed but the driving factor for many to go with iValue Plans was due to the 'special price iPhones'. Granted the usual Value Plus plans do entitle you to get some discounts but its not as much as using iValue. By the way, I agree how we hate SMS charged separately. What for? Also international calls are inaccurate, it should be international calls made when roaming (which is understandable). Dialing an international number from domestic locations will incur appropriate rates deducted on your iValue plan. Shouldn't be charged separately.

I don't actually understand why many would envisage themselves using so much data on an iPhone. Unless of course you guys are talking about tethering which isn't happening yet (officially). Maybe some of you likes video streaming but 1GB is aplenty! I would ride on 'pay for what is enough' approach. No point getting so much when you can't finish it even though its cheap, less of course it really make a difference kind of cheap.

Now individual usage is very subjective, no plans can cover every type of usage. Best would be to get something just enough and if you happen to exceed a bit, pay that extra. Whats the big deal? There's no enormous penalty for exceeding.

Hey, can you share with us exactly how much MB she exceeded from the pre-allocated 512MB data? Cause RM250 extra on top of the RM100 monthly sounds a lot.

By the way anyone can tell how much cents is charged per extra 1MB or 1kB?

Yes, thats how I track my usage too and even though I do a lot of FB, chatting, etc, I don't really use up my entire allocated bandwidth. I've never been billed extra. Nokia! Hehehe, I agree with you too...

I assume when you get an iPhone, you would consume data too right. You still need to pay for it and without any 'special' plans, you're on your pay-as-you-go rates which is expensive.

Yup, I have been watching the built-in counter closely but my usage patterns are pathetic. I can't even use 100MB of data. I'm planning to be on IM for the entire working day just to use up. But text chat aren't using a lot data though. Hmmm...

I think Maxis is playing this 'disadvantage' to their own advantage. I mean if you can charge your customers 'inaccurately' due to your architecture limitations, why improve it? Lets continue play it to its advantage. Hehehe...

But I think Maxis for the very least should include some sort of indicator in their online customer service. That interface has been there since when? Ages! Anyway the iPhone's usage counter although not accurate shouldn't be inaccurate for more than 10%. Otherwise its not an indicator and why put it there in the first place. So I guess put in a buffer of 10%. Anything more, Maxis is crapshooting.

Hmm... have you tried disabling data roaming on iPhone or any smartphones for that matter. It works the same way. I was overseas 2 months back and I had that turned on and my recent bills recorded nothing from countries I visited. Although I tried deliberately using data but it wouldn't work. So I guess that setting works.

Yes understood the holes and the need for an escape clause. But I feel adding 10% buffer on that counter is very safe. Lets just say Maxis's system recorded a run-off of 30-50%, thats a whole lot of deviation. By best practices, standard deviations should not be more than 10% (mostly). Otherwise we have a case to complain about inconsistency in services and pressure Maxis or whoever the service provider to improve on.

Actually the counter will not count data transferred via WIFI and your USB cable (during synchro). The counter is specifically for cellular data and it is why it was named accordingly. But it would be strange if the counter counts data transferred via WIFI.

I have the same problem too: very high unbilled amount and line barred due to exceeding credit limit. Sounds like a billing issue to me. When the cycle completes, they will apply the appropriate iValue plan calculations. So unbilled amount is not accurate since they are based on raw charges.

I managed to talk to the Maxis Center at Gardens and they acknowledge the problem with iPhone 4 plans. I filed for a case number (dispute/complaint) and they are upgrading my credit limit to RM500 pending approval. I think its no use cause with the rate of unbilled amount climbing, very soon it will be barred again. So they decided to also uplift my account from being barred for 5 days, in hopes that the current billing issue will be resolved by then.

Nothing much to worry if we all have the appropriate documents and receipts. It will present a clear case to Maxis that we couldn't have incurred so much charges in a few days especially when we are on a plan.

Ooh my background is different: I MNP-ed to Maxis with Value 30 and within the day I signed up to Maxis iValue 1.

This post has been edited by davidmak: Sep 25 2010, 06:54 PM

In Maxis website go to Customer Service. If you don't have a username, you can register for one.