VPNs and mobile data

Iqoniq · 13-06-2016, 18:44

I'm just wondering whether someone can clear this up for me. One of my colleagues was told by his son that if he invested in a VPN account that he could use his mobile as much as he wants, but reduce his mobile data usage, as far as EE (the mobile company) is concerned to zero. Yes, zero.

Apparently his theory goes like this. The VPN uses "it's own network" and all the data is carried on their networks to the internet. From what the son has said none of the data is carried by EE, but you still need the mobile connection "like you need BT for the internet even though you're on Sky".

I've tried to explain to him that the mobile network is still the point of access and the VPN just acts as a gateway to an address that appears like you're in America. The data is still shuttled around by EE and all it's doing is passing through what is, in effect, a proxy address like these sites that allow you to bypass torrent site blocks. I've even explained that in some cases it could also increase the amount of data used, but this is apparently "bullshit" according to his son. To counter, I've asked whether it's got anything to do with the fact the VPN can also be used on a home PC to bypass the torrent sites.

So can someone tell me whether I'm right, or do I need to apologise and eat some humble pie?

mrMick · 13-06-2016, 18:48

The mobile network can still 'see' that data is being sent over it, with or without a VPN, thus it'll still use data from your allowance as far as i'm aware. It makes no sense from the network's point of view to zero rate a third party VPN.

tealady · 13-06-2016, 19:11

The ISP is indifferent to the source of the data.

Later versions of android give you data stats and installing something like 3g watchdog will also confirm it.

cmq2 · 13-06-2016, 19:19

If its any help, I just bought a top up after using up all my EE contract data. All the data was accessed via VPN.

My signal strength app showed me using the usual EE mast. The data usage recorded on my Android phone is similar to that being recorded by EE (visible via their smartphone app).

Probably won't help as I must have set it up wrong or not using the right VPN supplier.

Hurlley · 13-06-2016, 19:41

you are correct, let him watch the data usage creep up just the same as ever if not more, then he can call up EE and give them an ear ache for something that's not their fault.

Iqoniq · 13-06-2016, 20:26

Quote:

Originally Posted by cmq2

Probably won't help as I must have set it up wrong or not using the right VPN supplier.

That will probably be the same excuse the son uses when they end up with massive bill shock. I reckon he's chancing it as one of his mates has one and uses it to watch these dodgy sites that shows cam rips of the latest films and shows you malware infected ads.

I've had a look at the VPN app and it has a free 7 day trial, so I've said I'll download the app and send my data through it over the weekend, and see if it tallies up with what 3 say I've used (I've got all you can eat so makes no odds to me) on Monday.

Thine Wonk · 13-06-2016, 20:32

Tell him charging your iPhone works in the microwave too, 60 second charge.

jchamier · 13-06-2016, 22:47

Tell him to go do some real network education. TCP/IP training course would be good. All a VPN does is encapsulate all the data inside a tunnel to the end point. So the data still has to travel across the ISP (be it EE, Vodafone, Three, Sky, TalkTalk, Virgin Media) but they just can't see what it is.

jchamier · 13-06-2016, 22:49

. Only if he has insurance.

d123 · 13-06-2016, 23:08

Quote:

Originally Posted by Iqoniq

That will probably be the same excuse the son uses when they end up with massive bill shock. I reckon he's chancing it as one of his mates has one and uses it to watch these dodgy sites that shows cam rips of the latest films and shows you malware infected ads.

I've had a look at the VPN app and it has a free 7 day trial, so I've said I'll download the app and send my data through it over the weekend, and see if it tallies up with what 3 say I've used (I've got all you can eat so makes no odds to me) on Monday.

I use a VPN at times, there are a number of free ones..

The data is used and recorded by the network as normal, just as it should be.

jchamier · 13-06-2016, 23:12

Quote:

Originally Posted by Iqoniq

That will probably be the same excuse the son uses when they end up with massive bill shock. I reckon he's chancing it as one of his mates has one and uses it to watch these dodgy sites that shows cam rips of the latest films and shows you malware infected ads.

If you get bill shock move to a provider (such as EE) that has a real data cap. You hit your package and it stops and all web browsing goes to the EE page where you can buy more or wait until your month rolls round.

I was amazed that Three's data SIMs on contract didn't stop at the plan limit but started charging silly money. In a MiFi too :-/

13-06-2016, 18:44	#1
Iqoniq Forum Member Join Date: May 2011 Location: Nottinghamshire Posts: 2,403	VPNs and mobile data I'm just wondering whether someone can clear this up for me. One of my colleagues was told by his son that if he invested in a VPN account that he could use his mobile as much as he wants, but reduce his mobile data usage, as far as EE (the mobile company) is concerned to zero. Yes, zero. Apparently his theory goes like this. The VPN uses "it's own network" and all the data is carried on their networks to the internet. From what the son has said none of the data is carried by EE, but you still need the mobile connection "like you need BT for the internet even though you're on Sky". I've tried to explain to him that the mobile network is still the point of access and the VPN just acts as a gateway to an address that appears like you're in America. The data is still shuttled around by EE and all it's doing is passing through what is, in effect, a proxy address like these sites that allow you to bypass torrent site blocks. I've even explained that in some cases it could also increase the amount of data used, but this is apparently "bullshit" according to his son. To counter, I've asked whether it's got anything to do with the fact the VPN can also be used on a home PC to bypass the torrent sites. So can someone tell me whether I'm right, or do I need to apologise and eat some humble pie?

13-06-2016, 18:48	#2
mrMick Forum Member Join Date: Mar 2003 Location: Cambridge Posts: 1,259	The mobile network can still 'see' that data is being sent over it, with or without a VPN, thus it'll still use data from your allowance as far as i'm aware. It makes no sense from the network's point of view to zero rate a third party VPN.

13-06-2016, 19:11	#3
tealady Forum Member Join Date: Apr 2005 Location: colchester Posts: 15,352	The ISP is indifferent to the source of the data. Later versions of android give you data stats and installing something like 3g watchdog will also confirm it.

13-06-2016, 19:19	#4
cmq2 Forum Member Join Date: Feb 2003 Location: Hampshire Posts: 2,092	If its any help, I just bought a top up after using up all my EE contract data. All the data was accessed via VPN. My signal strength app showed me using the usual EE mast. The data usage recorded on my Android phone is similar to that being recorded by EE (visible via their smartphone app). Probably won't help as I must have set it up wrong or not using the right VPN supplier.

13-06-2016, 19:41	#5
Hurlley Forum Member Join Date: Aug 2009 Location: Leicester Posts: 1,993	you are correct, let him watch the data usage creep up just the same as ever if not more, then he can call up EE and give them an ear ache for something that's not their fault.

13-06-2016, 20:26	#6
Iqoniq Forum Member Join Date: May 2011 Location: Nottinghamshire Posts: 2,403	Quote: Originally Posted by cmq2 Probably won't help as I must have set it up wrong or not using the right VPN supplier. That will probably be the same excuse the son uses when they end up with massive bill shock. I reckon he's chancing it as one of his mates has one and uses it to watch these dodgy sites that shows cam rips of the latest films and shows you malware infected ads. I've had a look at the VPN app and it has a free 7 day trial, so I've said I'll download the app and send my data through it over the weekend, and see if it tallies up with what 3 say I've used (I've got all you can eat so makes no odds to me) on Monday.

13-06-2016, 20:32	#7
Thine Wonk Forum Member Join Date: Mar 2009 Posts: 14,577	Tell him charging your iPhone works in the microwave too, 60 second charge.

13-06-2016, 22:47	#8
jchamier Forum Member Join Date: Mar 2000 Location: This forum Posts: 3,392	Tell him to go do some real network education. TCP/IP training course would be good. All a VPN does is encapsulate all the data inside a tunnel to the end point. So the data still has to travel across the ISP (be it EE, Vodafone, Three, Sky, TalkTalk, Virgin Media) but they just can't see what it is.

13-06-2016, 22:49	#9
jchamier Forum Member Join Date: Mar 2000 Location: This forum Posts: 3,392	. Only if he has insurance.

13-06-2016, 23:08	#10
d123 Forum Member Join Date: Jul 2007 Posts: 3,993	Quote: Originally Posted by Iqoniq That will probably be the same excuse the son uses when they end up with massive bill shock. I reckon he's chancing it as one of his mates has one and uses it to watch these dodgy sites that shows cam rips of the latest films and shows you malware infected ads. I've had a look at the VPN app and it has a free 7 day trial, so I've said I'll download the app and send my data through it over the weekend, and see if it tallies up with what 3 say I've used (I've got all you can eat so makes no odds to me) on Monday. I use a VPN at times, there are a number of free ones.. The data is used and recorded by the network as normal, just as it should be.

13-06-2016, 23:12	#11
jchamier Forum Member Join Date: Mar 2000 Location: This forum Posts: 3,392	Quote: Originally Posted by Iqoniq That will probably be the same excuse the son uses when they end up with massive bill shock. I reckon he's chancing it as one of his mates has one and uses it to watch these dodgy sites that shows cam rips of the latest films and shows you malware infected ads. If you get bill shock move to a provider (such as EE) that has a real data cap. You hit your package and it stops and all web browsing goes to the EE page where you can buy more or wait until your month rolls round. I was amazed that Three's data SIMs on contract didn't stop at the plan limit but started charging silly money. In a MiFi too :-/

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VPNs and mobile data