Telecom sector regulator, the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) has said from the outcome of the research it commissioned a consultant to carry out as a result of persistent complaints about data depletion by telecom subscribers, the mobile network operators (MNOs) are not responsible for customers’ data depletion.
CEO of NCC, Dr Aminu Maida made the clarification during a meeting with reporters in Lagos, adding that some factors, including the technology deployed could be responsible for accelerated data use.
A subscriber group, Association of Telephone, Cable TV, and Internet Subscribers of Nigeria (ATCIS), said it has been inundated with complaints from its members over data depletion.
Its President, Sina Bilesanmi, said collaboration is key to enlightening members of the public to get the message down to the consumers.
“Partnership and collaboration are required. The NCC should set aside cash to do radio enlightenment on this issue. Then the MNOs too should not get tired of sending SMS to their customers on the network. We acknowledge some of our members do some things on their mobile phones out of ignorance that ends up wiping out their data, we appeal for more sensitization in collaboration with ATCIS-Nigeria,” he said.
Shedding more light on how to stop data depletion, Director, Consumer Affairs at the NCC, Freda Bruce-Bunnet, in an email note shared with our reporter at the weekend, titled Data Management Tips, said smartphone users must stop the use of auto play in social media platforms such as Instagram, Tok-Tok, Reddit, Facebook and X former Twitter.
The other tips are: Block malwares which drain your data; Choose data usage prioritisation and avoid binge watching; Disable background data usage; Eradicate annoying Ads with 3rd party Ad blockers; Favour low data versions of apps, eg Facebook Lite, YouTube Go, Opera Mini; Go to WiFi for iCloud Drive and backup, Android, IOS, and WhatsApp backup; Hide your location in settings; and Implement passwords protection. Restrict hotspot usage and know who is using your data.
Others are jettisoning automatic downloads of status updates on Facebook, Instagram, WhatsApp; Know your usage appetite. Track pattern. Use an App on your Providers website; Limit and delete unused Apps; Migrate to data saving mode: Android /iPhone. Setting. Mobile service. Choose the phone number. Choose lower data mode; NO to automatic app status updates; Observe use of Offline downloads to view music/video, google maps, and watch repeatedly; Promote the use of built-in phone data usage trackers. 1. Mobile service. Reset Statistics. Promote the use of usage alerts. 2. Apps. Settings. Internet. Carrier. Data warning and limit. And select the limit; Query data service terms. 30 days is only with responsible usage. Not a lifetime guarantee; Remove or reduce phone notifications; Stream affordably using SD not HD. Facebook, Instagram, Netflix, Reddit, Spotify etc. are data hogs; the technology you use (4G, 5G) affects your data consumption; and use WiFi for downloads, app updates; Options are off, mobile and wifi or WiFi.
Other tips include data plans verification. Know MNO plans, promos, bundles and choose the best; Watch for unintentional overuse; x-ray, minimize use and roll over some of your data; yank off mobile data usage when not needed; and eschew the use of archaic phones.
Source: https://thenationonlineng.net/ncc-outlines-research-findings-on-customers-data-depletion/
