The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) has advised the Nigerian telecoms consumers on what to do to manage their data amid the increasing complaints by customers about unacceptable data depletion and billing issues allegedly blamed on telecom operators.
The Executive Vice Chairman of the Commission, Dr. Aminu Maida, gave this admonition, while delivering his address at the 93rd Telecom Consumer Parliament (TCP)in Abuja on Thursday, with the theme “ Optimising Data Experience: Empowering Consumers through Awareness and Transparency in a Consumer-Centric Telecom Industry.”
The Consumer Parliament is a forum that embodies the shared commitment of stakeholders to fostering a consumer-centric telecom industry in Nigeria.
The NCC boss noted that the commission had earlier analysed consumer complaints regarding data depletion and billing issues and in response directed Mobile Network Operators and ISPs to conduct audits of their billing systems, which reported no major issues.
He however, noted that the 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 added that with the advent of 4G and 5G, as well as devices with ultra -high definition screens, data consumption has naturally increased.
He said “for example, while viewing a photo on Instagram might have required only 100 kilobytes of data five years ago, today, with advanced camera resolutions, a photo can consume between two to four megabytes when opened on Instagram.
“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 consume higher quality media that consumes more data. This is the same for our increasing digital habits.”
He emphasised that viewers are now spending more time on their telephones, tablets, and smart TVs streaming programmes that they would previously have watched on broadcast television.”
He pointed out that the Commission, in collaboration with major operators, launched a Joint Industry Campaign on Consumer Awareness on Smarter Data Usage. This media campaign, spanning radio, television, newspapers, and SMS, aims to educate consumers on effective data management.
Also speaking during the occasion, President of the Association Licensed Telecommunications Operators of Nigeria (ALTON), Gbenga Adebayo, acknowledged the concerns of the subscribers but stressed that for the industry to remain afloat, prices of subscription must increase judging by current realities.
He noted that the association will continue to work closely with the NCC, the government, and other partners to address aggravated challenges and enhance data affordability. He added that it has become incumbent on stakeholders to push for policies that enable better service delivery and infrastructure development.
He emphasised that for the gains of the last 22 years in the industry to be sustained, Nigerians will have to pay more for data. He said “in essence, if the industry is not sustainable and we can’t do things better, the pains of not doing anything would be worse. We need to find a lasting solution and a long-term sustainable and manageable solution to this problem.
“I’m sorry to say prices will need to rise. But actions need to be taken in measured ways through sustainable conversations and partnerships with the government.”
