I downloaded some "free" Android apps today, but I'm still being charged for them... explanation?

[Rachale Luigi]

I got a Samsung Galaxy SII today, and I downloaded the "free" Facebook, Tumblr, and Twitter apps from the Android Market on my phone. The apps themselves cost money to download (like $30 credit which quickly depleted to about $6), so I recharged another $30, but after using the Facebook and Tumblr apps, I found that they just chewed my credit straight up. I only have $10 left.

Can someone please explain to me where the "free" element comes into play with these apps, cos apparently, they weren't free to download, and aren't free to use. And if I'm doing something wrong and you can help me... please. By all means.

[l337ex]

Person above me is an idiot
What is likely happening is you don't have any data on your plan, say 500mb etc, so you're being charged outrageous prices for data when you download apps, usually it's around $2 per megabyte.

Depending on who your phone carrier is you can usually add a 1gb data pack for $10/month or something.

The apps are free,the data to get them isn't. Unless you use wifi, then it's free.

[Ashi]

I dont know the true answer but i want to tell u dat The very first answer is totally incorrect

[DaVontay]

it's data charges not the apps. Disable data usage in settings and use them over WiFi.