NCC, Stakeholders Brainstorm To Tackle Data Depletion

The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) and major stakeholders in the telecommunications industry have brainstormed to tackle the challenge of data Depletion, following numerous complaints by Telecom service consumers in the country. 

Executive vice-chairman (EVC) of NCC, Prof. Umar Garba Danbatta said the commission has taken steps  to curb data depletion in the country, adding that this could be done by identifying the possible causes of the problem on various perspectives and proffering solutions to them. 

Danbatta, who was represented by Muhammed Babajika, Director, Licensing and Authorisation, spoke at the 91st edition of the Telecom Consumer Parliament, (TCP) held in Abuja on Thursday with the theme “Data Depletion: Discussions on Various Perspectives” . 

He said that data depletion was one of the most prevalent complaints received from telecom consumers in the country following recent migration to 4G/LTE technology. 

The EVC said that issues about 5th Generation technology, opportunities and challenges were prominent in the 90th Edition of the TCP, which was held in Lagos on 23rd June 2022. He  added that the Commission, as a result of the 90th event, has increased its capacity to handle type approval of devices as a result of the introduction of 5G. 

The NCC boss noted that consumers have been experiencing depletion of their data either as a result of data usage or consumption, adding that they are constantly informing the commission of their experience. 

Recall that the outbreak of the COVID-19 and the subsequent lockdown, necessitated an upsurge in the use of data-enabled devices for communication whether for school, work, or social interaction. 

Danbatta said “This deliberation could therefore not have come at a more auspicious time, as Nigeria moves with the rest of the world towards 5G technology. 

“Following the issuance of 3.5GHz spectrum licenses to MTN Nigeria Communications Limited, MAFAB Communications Limited and Airtel Networks Limited, it is therefore important that we completely appreciate and understand the issues surrounding data depletion, its usage and consumption in the era of 4G technology before we fully commence 5G usage. 

“It is against this backdrop that the Commission invited the key industry players today to dialogue on the theme.” 

He said further that this programme, would have representatives of the Regulator, the Industry and the Consumer Advocacy Groups present issues of data depletion as seen from their respective perspectives. 

“As much as the Commission has an obligation to the telecom consumer, it also has an obligation to the Industry; a symbiotic relationship in which one party cannot survive without the other. 

“The consumers are the basis for the operators’ business; if their interests are ignored, the operators’ investments would collapse, and there would be no industry for the Commission to regulate. 

“It is thus expedient that we utilise opportunities presented by the Commission’s high-level outreach events. 

“Events such as this Parliament to genuinely exchange ideas on how to reduce the challenges militating against effective service provision to the barest minimum,” he said. 

Head of Consumer Affairs Bureau, NCC, Ayanbanji Ojo in his reaction, said this redesigned TCP has strengthened  the engagements for the benefit of telecom consumers. 

“It is our responsibility to ensure that the consumers voices are heard and that their complaints are addressed by the relevant stakeholders. 

“I enjoin you all to make the most of the 91st Telecom Consumer Parliament, which will help to reinforce more efforts aimed at protecting telecom consumer interest and ultimately promoting a healthy telecom industry for all. 

Some of the industry players who were part of the discussion included; MTN, Airtel, 9mobile, Mtel among others.