When Pokemon Global Link launches on Nov. 18 Pokemon Sun and Pokemon Moon, addicts of the global rage would have more reason to stay glued to their mobile phones and keep on walking in search of cartoon characters to capture.
The game which had brought out kids from their homes into more physical activities, however, has resulted in at least one Guatemalan teen killed and several accidents. This has led the U.S. Congress to investigate the game.
However, the probe is not on the accidents and potential fatalities, or even addiction, but would focus on Pokemon Go eating up monthly data usage plans. 9 to 5 Mac reported that some players observed using up their monthly usage plans within one week by constantly playing Pokemon Go.
While legislators, led by the House Committee on Energy and Commerce, focus on the game consuming faster-than-expected, the tech website noted that gamers instead complain about their batteries being drained, not their data usage plans gone in one week.
Representatives Frank Pallone of New Jersey, Diana DeGette of Colorado and Jan Schakowsky of Illinois signed the letter sent to Niantic. The legislators asked Niantic four questions on how gamers could minimize the amount of data used, if Niantic is coordinating with wireless carriers to ensure consumers do not get whopped by large overage charges, the availability of a warning to customers prior to using the app on how much data Pokemon Go uses and protection for players hit with unexpected verge charges.
At least one wireless carrier, T-Mobile, offered help by rolling out a promo for Pokemon Go players who would receive free, unlimited data for the extremely popular game equivalent to one year’s worth of data, beginning July 19, Tuesday. The Pokemon Go usage would not be deducted from the high-speed plan.
In addition, the carrier also threw in three more freebies for chasers of cartoon characters. These are free Lyft rides up to $15 to reach a new PokeStop or Gym, free Wendy’s Frosty and half price off on selected accessories such as portable power packs and chargers at T-Mobile stores to have a constant supply of juice while playing the app.
Techies too, like TheFlipoflip, share more tips on saving battery power and data usage below.