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Internet data usage

Between social media, web searches and entertainment, the average Quebecer spends 23 hours a week online. With computer and tablets, TV and smartphones — sometimes all in one household — the amount of information displayed on our screens increases exponentially each year, which is why it’s important to be knowledgeable about Internet data usage.

Connected devices

All Internet-connected devices consume data. How much they consume depends on the type of device and what it is used for.

Examples of connected devices:

  • Computers (laptops and desktops)
  • Smartphones and tablets (iPhone, Android, iPad, etc.)
  • Smart TVs
  • Video game consoles (Xbox, PlayStation, Nintendo, etc.)
  • Remote systems for lighting, watering, etc.

Connected activities

Every moment spent on the Internet with a computer, mobile device or TV app like Netflix or ICI TOU.TV uses data. How much data used depends on the type of activity.

Examples of connected activities:

  • Surfing the web, looking up information and online shopping
  • Sending and receiving emails
  • Browsing social media (e.g. Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, Instagram)
  • Watching online videos (e.g. YouTube, Netflix, ICI TOU.TV, the OPTIK TV mobile app)
  • Installing and updating software, games and mobile apps
ActivityApproximate amount of data
Watching a movie in high definition (HD) on Netflix3 GB per hour
Watching a movie in standard definition (SD) on Netflix1 GB per hour
Downloading a standard-definition movie700 MB per movie
Video calls (Skype, etc.)200 MB per hour
Listening to music channels or the radioUp to 100 MB per hour
Video games on a console (e.g. Xbox, PlayStation, Nintendo, etc.)Up to 75 MB per hour

OPTIK TV service and use of data

Accessing OPTIK TV content from your set-top box does not consume Internet data. Accessing it from the OPTIK Mobile TV app, however, consumes bandwidth.

Some entertainment applications available with the OPTIK TV service and accessible from your TV - Netflix, ICI TOU.TV, Stingray Video, TED and NFB Film, for example - also consumes Internet data.

Track your daily data usage

You can track your usage of Internet data from your Customer Center.

In addition, you will receive an email if you reach 75%, 90% and 100% of the data included in your package. This notice will be sent to you 24 hours after reaching these thresholds, to the address in your profile, to allow you to adjust your usage.

Sign in now or activate your connection to learn more about your Internet consumption habits and, if needed, access more speed and data.

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