Monitoring wireless data usage on smartphones has long been an issue for users, but Microsoft hoped to remedy that with Data Sense on Windows Phone 8. Unfortunately, many wireless carriers declined to offer the free app, but now anyone can get it thanks to the Windows Phone 8.1 Developer Preview.
Any user who upgrades his or her phone to the latest version of Microsoft’s new mobile operating system will receive Data Sense, regardless of carrier. Some major carriers, such as AT&T, have refused to offer the app, possibly because it would prevent users from going over their monthly allotments, resulting in extra charges. Some carriers also prefer customers use service-specific offerings, such as the My AT&T app, though many lack the functionality of Data Sense, which provides information on both cellular and Wi-Fi usage.
Carriers will likely still have the option to remove Data Sense from Windows Phone 8.1 when they roll it out to users, meaning some will likely still refuse to offer the app. Neowin has contacted Microsoft inquiring if Data Sense will be optional for carriers; this article will be updated if a response is received.