SPECIAL REPORT
Nigerians are increasingly raising concerns about rapid data depletion. In fact, this has been a major concern in Nigeria’s telecoms industry. This matter is not sitting well with the regulator, the Nigerian Communications Commission, NCC.
Data depletion is a phenomenon where users consume their entire data bundle before its expiration date, raising widespread concern among subscribers. This issue is further worsened by the additional data volume consumed while accessing online content, leading to rapid exhaustion of data bundles.
The grievances surrounding data exhaustion have flooded various social media platforms and offline channels, with numerous users sharing their frustrating experiences. An analysis by Business a.m. disclosed that a data bundle priced at N3, 000, which should reasonably last between one to two weeks for an average internet user, is shockingly depleted in less than a week.
Data Depletion
The mysterious and rapid depletion of their megabytes have left subscribers baffled, wondering how their bundles disappear so quickly. Many assume that telecoms operators in the country have reduced the value of data packages due to escalating operational expenses amidst the country’s economic challenges. This has led to finger-pointing at telecoms companies, assuming they are the primary culprits.
But not pleased with the rising complaints, the Executive Vice-Chairman and CEO of the Nigerian Communications Commission, NCC, Dr. Aminu Maida has reiterated the Commission’s commitment to tackling concerns over data consumption and billing transparency in Nigeria’s rapidly evolving telecom sector.
At the 93rd Telecoms Consumer Parliament in Abuja, Maida emphasized the importance of collaborating with industry stakeholders to ensure a fair and transparent digital experience for telecom consumers.
Highlighting Nigeria’s impressive 132 million internet connections, Maida noted the country’s growing digital presence as part of the global five billion user base. He also pointed out that Nigerians spend an average of four hours and 20 minutes daily on social media, far exceeding the global average!
The NCC Chief Executive observed a 39 per cent increase in Nigeria’s daily data usage, reaching 336 gigabytes per second in 2024. However, despite this surge, data depletion and billing transparency have remained persistent concerns among consumers.
Dr. Maida explained that technological advancements such as high-resolution devices and the expansion of 4G and 5G networks have driven increased data consumption, with platforms like Instagram and YouTube further contributing to higher usage.
READ ALSO : NCC tackles data consumption and billing transparency concerns
Although audits of Mobile Network Operators, MNOs and Internet Service Providers, ISPs, disclosed no major systemic issues, Maida acknowledged the challenges posed by complex tariffs and sometimes unclear billing practices. He reassured that the NCC is working closely with industry players to resolve these issues and promote a more transparent digital experience for Nigerian consumers.
Today, with 132 million Internet connections, Nigeria’s daily data consumption has averaged 336 gigabytes per second—a 39 per cent increase from the previous year—illustrating the country’s growing digital engagement.
“Nigerians spend an average of four hours and 20 minutes on social media daily, far above the global average, underscoring how deeply embedded digital interaction is in our lives,” said Maida.
This has translated to higher data revenue for telecommunications companies, which have recorded a 541.99 per cent increase in data revenues since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic in late 2019.
Tech Advisor, an online resource that offers tech reviews, says spending an hour on Instagram can deplete your data by 600 megabytes, while streaming platforms like YouTube would use about 3.5 to 5.4 gigabytes per hour. Improved technologies go beyond their purchase cost to our pockets; they also come at a cost to data. Because they have better screen resolutions, they operate higher quality media that consumes more data.
Changing Habits of Consumers
This is the same for our increasing digital habits: according to DataReportal, the world’s internet users are spending less time watching television. Indeed, the average daily television viewing has fallen by over 8% in the past year. “Viewers are now spending more time on their telephones, tablets, and smart TVs streaming programs that they would previously have watched on broadcast television.
While it has become urgent to address this depletion challenge, Maida disclosed that the Commission is working on simplifying the process of tracking data usage for customers.
He said as part of moves to address these concerns, the NCC had directed MNOs and ISPs to conduct audits of their billing systems, which reported no major issues.
“However, perceptions persist due to two main factors: the impact of high-resolution devices and improved technologies on data use, and the complexity of operator tariffs,” he said.
On the issue of tariff complexity, Maida said that the commission issued a Guidance on Tariff Simplification, requiring operators to provide clear, accessible information on data plans and pricing.
“This transparency will empower consumers to make better-informed decisions about their data usage and billing. In the coming months, operators will implement this guidance, presenting consumers with tables detailing their tariff plans, billing rates on each plan, and all terms and conditions related to the tariff plans,” he promised.
Maida said that the goal of simplifying the process was for the consumer to be consistently satisfied with telecom services even as he noted that NCC’s data analysis over the past months has shown that quality service delivery is not solely the responsibility of MNOs; it requires collaboration across the value chain.
According to him, this requires collaboration with key stakeholders like Tower Companies which provide power and shared infrastructure, as well as those providing essential back haul services, whether by fibre, microwave or even satellite.
He said that connecting base stations to the core networks of MNOs all played crucial roles in ensuring high-quality telecom services.
“In recognition of this, the commission has revised its guidelines to include provisions that hold each player in the value chain accountable for quality service,” he said.
NCC has also identified additional factors that contribute to data depletion especially location services like GPS which use data to transmit location information to apps and services, especially when using navigation apps like Google Maps. The telecoms regulator noted that this constant communication adds up slowly but depletes data bundles.
The Commission also pointed out that users’ excessive data usage can rapidly deplete their data limits. It reckons that engaging in activities such as streaming videos or music, downloading large files, or using data-intensive apps for extended periods can quickly consume data. The commission further explained that the duration and resolution of video content, for instance, directly impact the amount of data used, with longer videos and higher resolutions resulting in higher data usage.
Additionally, roaming is another factor that can cause data depletion. The regulator noted that data roaming can quickly deplete data allowance if left on while travelling abroad. The commission explained that data roaming occurs when the user’s phone consumes cellular data services outside the network’s coverage area, noting that while this feature can be useful for staying connected, it can also lead to higher charges.
Credible News.ng
