TDS does not limit the data usage for our customers. Please refer to the TDS Acceptable Use policy for use restrictions.
- What is my Internet data usage?
- How can I access my Internet data usage summary?
- Why does my Internet data usage go up even when I'm not using my Internet service?
- How much usage am I using when I’m online?
- Does the speed of my Internet connection impact my Internet data usage?
- What are “peak”, "non-peak", hours and when do they occur?
- What happens if I exceed my Internet plan’s usage limit as listed in TDS’ Terms of Service?
- Is TDS TV traffic included in my monthly Internet data usage?
- Why does TDS provide Internet usage data to customers?
- Why is my first month’s data usage summary less than subsequent months?
What is my Internet data usage?
Your data usage for any given period is the total bytes sent and received through your Internet connection.
How can I access my Internet data usage summary?
Accessing your data usage summary is easy:
- Go to www.tdstelecom.com/usage.
- If prompted, log in to your account.
- Your data usage summary will appear.
You can also see your Internet data usage information when you’re logged into your account at tdstelecom.com or tds.net. Look in the Internet category of the My Products and Services section.
Why does my Internet data usage go up even when I'm not using my Internet service?
There could be several reasons your data usage increases when you’re not using your Internet. Here are the most common problems, along with recommended solutions to help you avoid excessive data consumption:
- An Unsecured Wi-Fi Router –To prevent unauthorized use of your home network and consumption of your data, encrypt and password-protect your home network.
- Oversharing of Wi-Fi Passwords – Only give your home network password to those you trust. If you think your network is being accessed by unauthorized users, change your password to improve your security.
- Streaming Video Players (e.g. Apple TV, Roku, Amazon Fire TV, Chromecast, PlayStation, etc.) – Pause or stop the program you’re streaming in order to stop your video player from consuming data. Simply turning off your TV will NOT stop the player, which will continue to consume data unless it is specifically stopped (or paused).
- File Backup Programs (e.g. iCloud, Dropbox and Google Drive) – Always set automatic backups to occur during non-peak usage hours (12 a.m.–6 a.m. CT).
- Operating System Updates – Schedule these updates to occur during non-peak usage hours (12 a.m.– 6 a.m.).
- File-Sharing Programs (e.g. BitTorrent) – Beware: these types of programs share files from your personal computer with other Internet users. As a result, you are unable to control when or how much of your data is consumed.
How much usage am I using when I’m online?
Varying types of Internet usage, and combinations of different types of file sizes and downloads, can make calculating future data usage difficult, and this tool should be used to get only a general sense of what your usage might be. The following are estimates on usage.
HD Video Streaming
Each hour measures 2GB
SD Video Streaming
Each hour measures 750MB
Video Calls
Each hour measures 340MB
Web Surfing
Each hour measures 35MB
Gaming/Streaming Radio
Each hour measures 20MB
Downloading/Uploading Photos
Each photo measures 5MB
Music Streaming
Each 4-minute audio file measures 6.5MB
Does the speed of my Internet connection impact my Internet data usage?
A: Not directly. Data usage depends on the amount of information you request and send. Your Internet speed determines how fast you get the information you request and send. The faster the Internet connection, the more data it can handle.
What are “peak”, "non-peak", hours and when do they occur?
Peak hours are the TDS network’s busiest time: 6 a.m.—midnight (Central Time.) During non-peak hours the network is less busy: midnight—6 a.m. (Central Time).
What happens if I exceed my Internet plan’s usage limit as listed in TDS’ Terms of Service?
TDS does not limit the data usage for our customers. Please refer to the TDS Acceptable Use Policy for use restrictions.
Is TDS TV traffic included in my monthly Internet data usage?
No. TDS TV traffic is not counted toward your monthly Internet Usage report.
Why does TDS provide Internet usage data to customers?
TDS provides Internet usage data as a courtesy to customers. Many cellular phone plans track Internet data therefore customers are accustomed to knowing exactly how much data they use every month. And some customers like knowing this for their home use, as well.
