MMS needs mobile data to send / receive

[rfa]

As per title.
I need mobile data on to send / receive mms. Is this by design? Is it an apn setting? Is it a network issue?
Using Vodafone in Australia

[Anders_ASUS]

It sends a digital image so mobile data needs to be on. If the mms will deduct data from your data plan or not is up to your carrier

[rfa]

Shouldn't MMS automatically connect to mobile data in the background?
& in Australia it's included with calls (not data)