Whatsapp-online status/google talk

Welcome to the forum!

First, I should clarify that this is a user-ran forum, almost entirely ran by volunteer staff. We are neither google or whatsapp employees.

But yes, whilst data sent over WiFi is always free, if your phone is connected by to your mobile data connection then yes, it will cost money as you use data (although smartphone plans usually come with data allowances). That all depends on the contract you signed with your carrier.

As for handling this, you have a few options. The simplest way is to disable WiFi and Mobile Data when you don't want to use them, like at night. You should find built in widgets you can add to your homescreen to achieve that.

Option two is to sign out of the apps when you don't want to use them. I'm not familiar with whatsapp, but chances are you'll find the option by hitting the menu button, as you do in google talk. There are other apps on the phone that use data, however.

There are also apps (such as juice defender and green power) capable of managing how long your phone stays connected to the internet - you can basically leave the phone set to connect, but it will only connect periodically.

Personally I use a combination of the on/off widgets and juice defender.