Microsoft says WP7 phantom data use due to 'third party solution'

Microsoft believes it has solved the phantom data usage issue that has plagued some users. Problem is, they're not telling anyone what the problem really is.

Last week, Microsoft said it was investigating the issue, in which users were seeing multiple megabytes of cellular data used, even when connected to wi-fi (in which case, apps should be using the wi-fi connection).

On January 19th, SeattlePI received a response to a request for an update. The reply was:

We have determined that a third-party solution commonly accessed from Windows Phones is configured in a manner that potentially causes larger than expected data downloads. We are in contact with the third party to assist them in making the necessary fixes, and are also pursuing potential workarounds to address the configuration issue in case those are needed. At this point in our investigation, we believe this is responsible for most of the reported incidents.
We are investigating additional potential root causes for the remainder of the reports.

A small (low single-digit) percentage of Windows Phone customers have reported being affected.

We are continuing to investigate this issue and will update with additional information and guidance as it becomes available.

That is just vague enough to raise more questions. After all, they didn't say third-party application, but third-party solution. That sounds like it might be something integral to the Windows Phone platform, rather than an app that could simply be avoided, or removed.

Obviously since one of the big supporters of WP7 in the U.S. is data-capped AT&T, this problem is a big issue. Microsoft did not further detail the issue.