The Consumption and Cost of Mobile Data in 2025: All You Need to Know

Ever thought about how much mobile data you use? Well, if you’re anything like the rest of the UK, your mobile data consumption will have skyrocketed in recent years. In fact, a report from Tridens Technology on mobile phone usage claims the average usage per month has risen by over 50% in the last three years alone: “the average smartphone user will consume 23GB per month in 2025, up from 15GB in 2022.”

This is largely thanks to a shift in mobile data trends: the way in which we use the internet. More mobile data users are streaming high-definition videos, making video calls, online gaming, and enjoying AR/VR experiences — all of which have become extra data-intensive thanks to 5G data usage becoming more and more common.

As consumers, we’re increasingly demanding faster speeds and larger data allowances. But exactly what’s the best way to get them? Read on for everything you need to know in order to manage your data usage, avoid extra charges, and choose the right mobile plan for your needs.

What Will the Internet Look Like in 2025?

Connection and download speeds will only get faster thanks to increased 5G connectivity. And, the introduction of 6G is expected in the near future (2030s according to technology research company Ericsson), which a recent UK Parliament briefing reports “will exhibit increased capacity and faster speeds” to meet growing demand.

The same Parliament report suggests that 6G will be integral for “technologies such as sensing, artificial intelligence, the Internet of Things, and cloud computing”, cementing the widespread adoption of AI and marking it as vital to the future of mobile data.

This coincides with a rise in highly personalised online experiences (web platform host Shopify declares personalised marketing and customer experience interactions are the ways brands will stand out in 2025). So, what’s next for mobile data plans? According to Verdict, we can expect bespoke plans and flexible pricing models – think tiered pricing based on data type (e.g., streaming, social media, general browsing) and real-time responsive AI-driven plans that adapt to individual usage patterns.

What Does an Increase in Data Usage Mean for Costs?

Due to increasing data demands from video streaming, cloud storage, and other bandwidth-intensive applications, it’s natural to be worried about rising expenses. Whether you’re worried about your monthly payments increasing, or concerned that you’ll exceed your data limits – resulting in hefty charges – there are ways to make keep mobile data costs to a minimum:

1. Check your current data usage – you can see this either on your current mobile phone plan or in the settings on your mobile phone
2. Consider how much you use mobile data – if you use Wi-Fi frequently and don’t watch videos on your mobile phone, you may need just a few GBs. However, if you stream videos or play games, you’ll need significantly more data.
3. Decide what you need – some providers offer international roaming, mobile hotspot usage, or family sharing options. Some plans even allow unused data to carry over to the next month, which can be a cost-effective feature.
4. Compare prices – first, determine a budget based on what you can afford or want to pay each month. Research the costs of different plans including any future price rises or cancellation fees.
5. Compare providers and coverage – check coverage maps and read reviews to ensure the provider has good coverage in the places you most often use your phone.
6. Keep on top of your data usage – reassess your needs once or twice a year, as your data usage will likely change.

Where to Get the Cheapest Mobile Data 2025

Always shop around – this goes for any type of data plan, whether you’re comparing mobile phone contracts, prepaid mobile plans, or a SIM-only plan.

• Mobile phone contracts – lasting typically 12-36 months, these plans usually offer an upgrade on your current device and plenty of options for data allowance. They’re usually the most expensive option as you’re also paying for the new device in your monthly payments, but can be perfect if you need an upgrade and don’t want to shell out the cost upfront.
• SIM-only plans – a SIM-only deal is always cheaper than a contract as you rely on your current device. It still requires a monthly payment, but you can choose if you’re tied in or if you want to only commit to a month at a time.
• Prepaid mobile plans – also known as pay as you go (PAYG) plans, instead of a monthly bill these plans are paid for upfront (which is good for controlling costs in advance). You buy a set amount of credit or a bundle of calls, texts, and data, and once your allowance has been used up, the service stops working and you must buy more data. These give you flexibility on how much data you use each month and keep you free from long-term contracts.

Explore prepaid mobile plans at MobileTopUp

Tips for reducing mobile data usage

• Download only when you’re connected to Wi-Fi – this goes for videos, music, and even maps and translation, which you can use offline once they’re downloaded to your device.
• Set data limits and alerts – you can set up a warning on your device or even a limit so you don’t go over.
• Manage your settings – disable background app refresh and adjust your cloud sync settings to only sync when on Wi-Fi.

Data Usage FAQs

What will big data statistics be in 2025?
Big data refers to the consumption of extremely large, complex and diverse collections of data that continue to grow exponentially over time, which can be collected and analysed to give valuable insights into our behaviours. But just how much data is the entire internet in 2025? A report by data company Rivery projects that by the end of 2025 there will be over 180 zettabytes of data created and stored.

How many GB does a normal person use in a day?
If you’re wondering how much mobile data is used in a day, typically an average user will consume around 1-3GB, depending on streaming and social media use). For example, reading the news and messaging friends will keep you at the lower end, while streaming videos, music and downloading emails will bump up your data consumption significantly.

How long will 1GB of data last you?
1GB of data will last a full day if you’re occasionally browsing the internet. If you’re streaming video? 1GB will last you about 1-3 hours.

How long will 10GB of internet last?
It really depends on how much you use your phone and what you use it for. 10GB can last some users over a month. But, if you’re using your phone to access the internet all day every day, and you frequently stream videos, music and more? You’ll have roughly a week before that 10GB runs out.

How long will 100GB of internet last?
100BG could last some data users an entire year – that is, if they occasionally browse the internet and keep in touch with friends via messaging. If they do all their communication via video call, stream from Netflix or YouTube, and watch a lot of TikTok? 100GB could last as little as a month.

How does mobile data work outside of your country?
It connects through partner networks abroad – often at higher roaming rates. Be sure to check what your mobile data plan covers before you travel. It can be worth buying an add-on in advance so you don’t get charged extras while you’re away.

What is roaming and how does it work?
Data roaming lets you use your mobile network abroad by linking to a local carrier your data provider has an agreement with (although the charges are likely to be higher than they would be if you were in your home country). This means you can access the internet just as you would at home.