The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) has highlighted nine effective ways Nigerians can manage their mobile data and prevent it from being quickly depleted. This comes amidst rising complaints from subscribers who allege that telecom operators are siphoning their data.
While both the Commission and service providers have debunked claims of deliberate data theft, the NCC explained that rapid advancements in smartphone technology have introduced features many consumers may not fully understand, leading to high and unintentional data consumption.
9 Ways Nigerians Can Save Mobile Data, According to NCC
The NCC advised mobile subscribers to adopt the following measures:
- Download Content for Offline Use – Always download videos, music, or documents while connected to Wi-Fi for offline access.
- Enable Data Caching – Store frequently accessed content locally on your device to avoid repeated downloads.
- Disable Location Services – Turn off GPS or limit location permissions for specific apps that don’t require it.
- Activate Data-Saving Mode – Enable the built-in data-saving feature on your smartphone to reduce background data usage.
- Data Rollover – Opt for service plans that allow unused data to roll over into the next billing cycle.
- Avoid Auto-Play Videos – Configure browser and social media settings to prevent videos from playing automatically.
- Restrict Background App Refresh – Stop apps from constantly updating in the background when not in use.
- Use Lite Versions of Apps – Install lighter versions of popular apps (e.g., Facebook Lite, YouTube Go) that consume less data.
- Monitor Data Usage Regularly – Track your data consumption in your phone settings or through your service provider’s app.
NCC’s Efforts on Data Depletion Complaints
The Director of Consumer Affairs Bureau at the NCC, Mrs. Freda Bruce-Bennett, revealed that the Commission has championed a study on data depletion complaints. According to her, the NCC is actively promoting data usage transparency initiatives and enforcing fair usage policies across telecom operators.
She emphasised that subscribers must be equipped with the right knowledge to monitor, control, and optimize data usage across daily, weekly, and monthly plans.
Why Data Depletes Quickly
The Commission also shed light on common reasons why subscribers experience fast data depletion:
- Default Video Auto-Play: Many web browsers automatically play videos, even when users only intend to read text.
- High-Quality Streaming: Apps like YouTube, Netflix, and Spotify consume large amounts of data when streaming videos or music.
- Background Updates: Apps running in the background silently use up data for updates and notifications.
What You Should Know
According to recent NCC statistics, data depletion remains one of the most frequent consumer complaints in Nigeria’s telecom sector. While the Commission continues to engage service providers to improve the quality of experience, subscribers are encouraged to adopt the recommended data-saving tips to get more value from their bundles.
