Something is up with Cox's notifications

If your are computer literate, I suggest getting your own modem and router. If you get the gateway for free, put it in bridge mode so you just need a router. Get a router that has a bandwidth monitor so you can see if/what is using your bandwidth. If you don't know what is using your bandwidth consumption, how can you say "no way we should go over"? Have you even checked your Cox bandwidth meter?

The message from Cox stating, "Heads up. Looks like you have used 90% of the data in your plan," is typically triggered when your internet usage reaches 90% of your monthly data limit. This notification is generated by automated systems monitoring your data consumption, which Cox provides as part of their service to help you manage and avoid exceeding your data cap. Here are possible causes for such high usage:

1. Data-Intensive Activities

Certain activities consume large amounts of data quickly:

• Streaming Video Content: Watching videos on platforms like Netflix, YouTube, Hulu, or Twitch, especially in HD or 4K resolution.
• Online Gaming: Downloading large game updates or playing data-heavy online multiplayer games.
• Cloud Backups: Automatic syncing or backing up files to cloud services like Google Drive, Dropbox, or OneDrive.
• Large File Downloads: Downloading movies, games, or software updates.

2. Background Processes on Devices

• Automatic Updates: Operating systems, apps, and games often update in the background, consuming significant data.
• Unrestricted Streaming or Downloads: Devices or apps set to auto-play or auto-download may continuously consume bandwidth.

3. Unauthorized Usage

• Unsecured Wi-Fi: If your Wi-Fi network is not password-protected, others may be using your data.
• Device Hacking: Malware or compromised devices could be using your network to send or receive large amounts of data.

4. Multiple Devices

• Homes with multiple devices connected to Wi-Fi (e.g., phones, tablets, smart TVs, IoT devices) can quickly rack up data usage.
• Streaming on Smart TVs or Gaming Consoles: These are often overlooked but can contribute significantly to data consumption.

5. Video Conferencing or Remote Work

• High-quality video conferencing (Zoom, Microsoft Teams, etc.) consumes a lot of data, especially with prolonged use.

6. Online Uploads

• Uploading videos, streaming content, or sharing large files can also significantly contribute to data usage.

What to Do Next

• Review Your Usage:
  • Log in to your Cox account and check the data usage breakdown to identify what’s consuming the most data.
• Audit Connected Devices:
  • Check your router's admin panel to see all connected devices and ensure only authorized devices are using your network.
• Reduce High Data Consumption:
  • Adjust streaming settings, turn off auto-updates, and restrict unnecessary background processes.
• Investigate Security:
  • Update your Wi-Fi password and enable WPA3/WPA2 encryption to prevent unauthorized access.

Would you like assistance with auditing your network or identifying potential data drains?

here is something else you can check

It sounds like you're receiving a notification from Cox Communications about nearing your data cap. Here's what you can do to manage your data usage and avoid overage fees:

Immediate Actions:

1. Check Current Usage:
   • Log into your Cox account via their website or app to see a detailed breakdown of your data usage.
   • Identify high-usage devices or activities (e.g., streaming, large downloads).
2. Reduce Data Usage:
   • Streaming Services: Lower the quality settings (e.g., switch from HD to SD).
   • Automatic Updates: Pause or schedule software and app updates during off-peak hours or after your billing cycle resets.
   • Background Usage: Disable background data usage on devices where it’s unnecessary.
   • Gaming & Downloads: Delay large downloads or online gaming until the next billing cycle.
3. Enable Data Notifications:
   • Ensure Cox notifications are turned on to alert you when you're at 100% usage.

Long-Term Solutions:

1. Upgrade Your Plan:
   • If you consistently exceed your data cap, consider upgrading to a higher-tier plan or an unlimited data option if available.
2. Add Data Packs:
   • Purchase additional data for the current cycle if your usage is about to exceed the limit.
3. Optimize Network Use:
   • Set Data Limits: Use your router's admin panel to set limits for devices or prioritize low-bandwidth activities.
   • Monitor Traffic: Use router tools or software to analyze which devices are consuming the most data.
4. Switch Providers:
   • If Cox’s data caps don’t align with your needs, explore other ISPs in your area that offer unlimited data or higher caps.

How to Monitor Usage on Cox's Platform:

1. Log into My Account:
   • Visit Cox's website or use their app.
   • Go to the "Data Usage" section to see detailed information about your plan and consumption.
2. Use the Panoramic WiFi App (if applicable):
   • If you use Cox’s Panoramic WiFi, you can monitor usage for each connected device.

Would you like help optimizing your network or finding a solution for exceeding data limits?

Make sure you don't have ONEDRIVE backing everything up DAILY. That can use a LOT of data, and I have found several people who found it on their phone as well, backing it up daily. 

Same text as yours. Cox did the same thing to me this month. My usage has changed in years. Cox charged a extra $100 which is the maximum charge on their data fee I called and was on the phone for hours, Cox just told me I was wrong and their system is right and I owe the extra $100 they said next time if you get the text call them and they shut my internet down so I don’t get charged extra or buy their unlimited plan for $50 extra a month. Sound like a scam if you ask me. According to cox I downloaded over 1000gb in one day when the average in a month is about 500gb or under. I know for sure nothing big was downloaded it’s just me and my wife. Starlink is about the same per month I’ll give them a shot and if they work good. I’m dumping cox.