Microsoft investigating data-sucking Phone 7 glitch

 

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By Stewart Mitchell

Posted on 11 Jan 2011 at 08:55

Microsoft is looking into reports that some Windows Phone 7 are sending out large batches of mystery data that could push users past their data caps.

The problem came to light when phone companies got in touch with users telling them that they were near or past their download limits, even though they had barely used their 3G connections.

“With this phone I do not stream, I mostly have the location services turned off," wrote the original poster Julie G on the Windows Super Site. "I do have Facebook connected with Windows Live and I have my Yahoo mail and Outlook mail synced to the phone.

I went and looked at my AT&T account online and noticed that my phone was sending huge chunks of data of 30-50MB at a time

“I received an email from AT&T saying that I was close to my 2GB data limit which truly shocked me as I do not use data that much. I went and looked at my AT&T account online and noticed that my phone was sending huge chunks of data of 30-50MB at a time.”

It is at present unclear whether the problem involves the operating system itself or third-party software, but other users are reporting 2-3MB transfers taking place when the handset is supposed to idle.

One theory being put forward on various forums is that a glitch is preventing the phones from properly switching between a 3G connection and Wi-Fi when it is available.

Microsoft has said it is looking into the issue.

"We are investigating this issue to determine the root cause and will update with information and guidance as it becomes available," a Microsoft spokesperson told the BBC.