Following a surge in the number of complaints from consumers regarding Data Depletion and Poor Quality of Data services, Nigerian telecom regulator, the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) decided to investigate the complaints and ensured resolution as necessary.
After the investigation, which is in line with the Commission’s mandate of protecting, informing and educating consumers, NCC provided responses to the 29 frequently asked questions on Data consumption, depletion and usage.
The investigation provided steps that can be followed to avoid wastage of Internet Data by Nigeria, explaining that there are a number of things Internet subscribers can do to manage their mobile data usage so that it does not deplete quickly, but instead last longer.
The following are examples:
- Disable mobile data when it is not needed
- Use data compression in your browser
- By reducing video streaming quality from video sites such as YouTube,
Netflix, Hulu, Showtime – you can use from 1080p or default/ auto setting to 240p for optimal viewing and lower data consumption. This may however affect the quality of your experience.
- By deactivating all cloud storage except when / where necessary.
- By not breaking or interrupting downloads in-between video sessions.
- Turn off automatic updates for apps for mobile devices, laptops and personal computers.
- Use Wi-Fi hotspots wherever you can to save your mobile data.
You should however note that there are data security risks to using open/free Wi-Fi connections. Your passwords and personal data are often exposed on such connections.
- Limit sending and receiving files and push notifications
- Delete email messages that won’t send and are no longer required.
- Send big files when connected via Wi-Fi or use Wi-Fi for big files
- Monitor time spent on Social Media
- Closing apps when you’re done using them can also reduce data usage
- Set up usage alerts
