First off, to prevent your phone from loading any 3G data in the background, or for any other reason, you’re going to want to download the app, Quick Settings.  This can be found in the App Market (This link for Android devices only).  With Quick Settings you can easily turn On/Off certain key features such as Wi-Fi, GPS, Bluetooth and 3G Data.  Not only is this convenient, it helps save on battery consumption. My advice is after installing Quick Settings, go in and turn off 3G data, plus any other features you don’t use. Please consider the fact you won’t be able to go on the internet, use certain apps UNLESS you’re on Wi-Fi when 3G is turned Off.

If you’re usually in a Wi-Fi hotspot and don’t want to use 3G data at all, you should go in and change some Wi-Fi settings. Settings > Wireless and Network > WiFi Settings (Click on the icon to the far left bottom of phone . And then click on Advanced > Wi-Fi Sleep Policy. Here you will be given the option to choose when to power off Wi-Fi. I have mine set to Never (This probably uses a little more battery, but with certain features turned off [bluetooth/GPS, etc] should make up for it). So now, with 3G data turned Off and Wi-Fi On all the time, I don’t have to worry so much about using tons of expensive 3G data through the network.

Steps to turn off Background Data, which helps save 3G usage as well as extend battery life:
Press while on your Home screen > Settings > Accounts and sync > Uncheck ‘Background Data’ (Note: You can’t use certain Applications such as the Android Market with this disabled.) However, leave it disabled if you aren’t going to be using these types of apps.

How do YOU save on your 3G data usage? Please post your ideas, tips and tricks in the comments section below.

See also: Enable MP3 Ringtones On Your LG Scoop AX260 for another free ringtone website.