NCC releases smart tips to help Nigerians curb data depletion

The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) has rolled out practical strategies to help Nigerians manage their mobile data more efficiently, following persistent complaints from telecom subscribers who allege that service providers are “siphoning” their data.

Although both the Commission and telecom operators have consistently dismissed these claims, the NCC said that the surge in advanced smartphone features, coupled with users’ limited understanding of how these features consume data, has fueled the perception of unexplained depletion.

According to the regulator, this knowledge gap often results in unintentionally high data usage, leaving consumers frustrated and fostering distrust in the telecom industry.

To address this, the Commission released what it called “Smart Data Management Tips,” advising subscribers to adopt nine key practices to prolong their data bundles:

Monitor Data Usage: Regularly track data consumption through built-in smartphone tools or third-party applications.

Use Wi-Fi: Connect to Wi-Fi networks whenever possible to reduce reliance on mobile data.

Turn Off Automatic Updates: Disable auto-updates for apps and software, opting instead to update manually over Wi-Fi.

Restrict Background Data: Limit apps from consuming data when not in use.

Download for Offline Use: Save media and documents while on Wi-Fi to minimize streaming or reloading.

Enable Data Caching: Store frequently accessed files locally to avoid repeated downloads.

Disable Location Services: Turn off GPS features for apps that don’t require real-time location.

Activate Data-Saving Mode: Use in-built phone settings to reduce background consumption.

Take Advantage of Data Rollover: Transfer unused data to the next billing cycle where applicable.

NCC’s Response to Consumer Complaints

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Speaking on the Commission’s ongoing efforts, the Director of Consumer Affairs Bureau, Mrs. Freda Bruce-Bennett, said the NCC has conducted a comprehensive study on subscribers’ data depletion complaints and has since initiated measures to ensure greater transparency in data usage.

She explained that the Commission is enforcing fair usage policies, strengthening quality-of-experience standards, and engaging service providers on consumer protection.

“These efforts are directly tied to the broader goal of promoting effective data management,” Bruce-Bennett said. “It is important that telecom subscribers are equipped with the knowledge of how to monitor, control, and optimize their mobile data allowance, whether daily, weekly, or monthly.”

Why Data Gets Depleted

According to NCC statistics, data depletion ranks among the top complaints lodged by telecom users in Nigeria.

At its consumer forums, the regulator highlighted several technical reasons behind the issue. One of the key causes is that most internet browsers now auto-play videos by default, even when users only intend to read text content on a website.

Other high-consumption activities cited include streaming on platforms like Netflix, YouTube, and Spotify, as well as prolonged use of social media apps that continuously load videos and images in the background.

The NCC emphasized that while network providers have a responsibility to improve service quality and ensure transparency, subscribers also need to adopt smarter habits to make their data last longer.