How Much Data Does a 4G CCTV Camera Actually Use? SIM Plans Explained

Every 4G camera conversation lands on the same question: how much data will it use? The honest answer is "it depends on how you configure it" — but the ranges are predictable enough to budget confidently. Here are the real-world numbers. Last updated: July 2026. The three usage profiles Motion clips only (the default for most rural and site cameras): the camera uploads short clips and thumbnails when triggered. Typical usage: 2–10 GB per month, driven almost entirely by how busy the scene is. Event clips + regular live checks: add remote live viewing a few times a day and expect 10–30 GB per month. Live view is the data hog — a minute of HD streaming costs more than a day of idle monitoring. Continuous cloud recording: streaming 24/7 to the cloud runs 150–400+ GB per month per camera depending on resolution and bitrate. On 4G this needs an unlimited plan and a strong signal — usually reserved for high-security sites. What quietly inflates usage Over-sensitive motion detection (vegetation, headlights, wildlife), high-resolution clip uploads where 1080p would do, and app users leaving live view running. AI filtering helps twice: person/vehicle detection cuts false-trigger uploads dramatically, and smart thumbnails let you check events without streaming. Sizing the SIM plan Start every new camera on a generous plan for the first month, measure, then right-size. Multi-network (roaming) SIMs cost slightly more per GB but connect to the strongest available network — on rural sites that is worth more than any tariff saving. For a deeper look at connectivity choices, see our 4G CCTV without broadband guide. Rule of thumb Budget 5 GB per camera per month for a well-configured motion-clip setup, 20 GB if the team likes live view, and an unlimited plan for anything continuous. We supply cameras with multi-network SIMs and sensible defaults pre-configured — talk to our team.