The Consumer Affairs Bureau of the Nigerian Communications Commission has identified malware, background apps, Location services, and others as factors responsible for Nigerian mobile customers’ data depletion
This follows the rise in customer concerns regarding how quickly their data plans are being depleted.
Although a lot of users have been accusing the service providers of stealing their data, evidence made public by the Commission seems to indicate otherwise.
mobile phone service providers, including MTN, Airtel, Globacom, and 9mobile, have been the focus of consumer complaints over data depletion.
The majority of customers experience data depletion due to several issues, listed below, according to the Commission.
Background apps: The NCC noticed that certain applications keep utilizing data even when their users aren’t actively using them.
“Background data usage can quickly add up and deplete your data allowance,” the Commission said.
Automatic updates: The Commission also mentioned how operating systems, apps, and other software upgrades automatically might consume a large amount of data.
Location services: According to NCC, using GPS and other location services can use up a lot of data, particularly if you use navigation programs like Google Maps.
Advertisements: the Commission stated that some apps display ads that use data. “These ads can consume data even if you don’t interact with them,”
Roaming: Roaming is another factor that the telecom regulator has highlighted as having the potential to deplete data.
“If you travel abroad and use your phone, you may be subject to data roaming charges, which can quickly add up and deplete your data allowance.”
Malware: The Commission added that malware and viruses can consume data without your knowledge. “If you suspect that your phone has been infected, it’s important to remove the malware as soon as possible.”
Excessive usage: According to the NCC, one of the main reasons for data depletion is excessive usage. “If you use your phone to stream videos or music, download large files, or use data-intensive apps for a long time, your data limit can quickly be depleted,” it said.
However, NCC recommended users continually keep an eye on their data usage, disable automated updates, and turn off background data usage for particular apps to lower the frequency of data depletion.
The Commission also suggested that users of mobile devices turn off location services for certain apps since they use a lot of data. The telecom regulator recommended that subscribers install ad-blockers in order to block unsolicited adverts.
The regulator also suggests connecting to Wi-Fi whenever possible for mobile subscribers to avoid using their cellular data. “You can connect to Wi-Fi at home, work, or in public places like cafes or libraries,” the Commission said.
Ultimately, the regulator said any subscriber that consistently runs out of data should consider upgrading to a larger data plan.
Meanwhile, in a move suggesting that the service providers might also be a factor in the data depletion complaints from the subscribers, the Commission recently directed Mobile Network Operators (MNOs) to conduct an independent audit of their billing systems.
Recall that the Commission recently directed Mobile Network Operators (MNOs) to carry out an impartial assessment of their pricing systems.
The NCC’s Executive Vice Chairman, Dr. Aminu Maida, had declared that the Commission is also wrapping up a consultation process to streamline tariff plans, which will increase consumer transparency.
