3G Watchdog for Android Phones

RATING:
5 out of 5

PRICE:
FREE

TASTY:
Like a trusty watchdog, keeps a close eye on your mobile Internet (data) usage. A must for all Android owners who don’t have unlimited data plans and want to be sure to stay under their monthly cap.

BUMMER:
Comparing monthly usage numbers on your bill vs. the app may reveal some discrepancies. Verizon customers may get slightly better data using the My Verizon app shipped with your device.

COOL:
As the month wears on and your online usage piles up, a colored icon in your notification bar changes from green to yellow to red. (Hint: Red means you’re nearly out of bandwidth!)

SIMILAR APPS IN THE MARKETPLACE:
Network TrafficStats Lite
Network Monitor

Read all of my past Android app reviews at Appolicious and Yahoo! Tech -- click here.

REVIEW:
With AT&T and Verizon Wireless now both actively selling tiered data packages, some pundits think the days of flat-rate, unlimited Internet access plans are numbered.

Recent surveys show that while carriers are convinced that the average consumer likes to choose between small, medium, and large data caps, most consumers aren’t thrilled with the reality of having to track their data usage to be sure they don’t break the bank.

If you’re one of the growing number of Android owners saddled with tiered access, 3G Watchdog is your new best friend. Just install the app, and instantly your incoming and outgoing traffic is monitored down to the megabyte.

This free apps best feature? As the month wears on and your online usage piles up, a colored icon in your notification bar changes from green to yellow to red. (Hint: Red means you’re nearly out of bandwidth!)

Comparing monthly usage numbers on your bill vs. the app may reveal some minor differences. It’s best to disable your access when you get close to your cutoff (within a few MB’s.) Verizon customers may get slightly better data using the My Verizon app shipped with your device.