Microsoft is reported to be investigating why some handsets running its fledgling Windows Phone 7 platform are sending and receiving data without users being aware, according to a BBC report. Apparently, users have noted that devices are sending “between 30MB and 50MB of data” every day when in an idle state. While there has been no official confirmation, it has been suggested that devices are sending performance and usage data to Microsoft, a fact that could be confirmed by the fact that some users have stated that the transfers take place at the same time on consecutive days. An alternative proposed was that the smartphones are using a mobile connection when Wi-Fi is available, leading to higher than anticipated data use.

The issue crosses two of the big topics under debate in mobile today: privacy and mobile data consumption. Should it prove that devices are sending Microsoft user data without the customer being explicitly aware that this is happening, it will build on an ongoing concern about the amount and type of user information being made available by smartphones and apps to third parties. In addition, with operators moving away from “unlimited” data tariffs in favour of caps and bundled allowances, the ability of a device to send data without user intervention also causes significant issues for subscribers, by consuming their allowance surreptitiously. There were reports that operators had contacted WP7 device owners to alert them they were nearing limits, even when active use would appear to be in-line with bundled allowances.