The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) has identified seven key factors contributing to the rapid depletion of mobile data for subscribers nationwide.
The announcement comes amid rising complaints from consumers about the swift exhaustion of their data bundles.
According to the NCC, several factors and apps can contribute to data depletion on mobile devices.
Here is a list of these factors and some apps that might be affecting your data usage:
NCC said many apps run in the background, consuming data even when not actively used. Examples of such apps include social media apps (Facebook, Instagram, Twitter), messaging apps (WhatsApp, Telegram), and email apps (Gmail, Outlook).
Another reason identified is apps, operating systems, and other software often update automatically, using significant amounts of data.
Examples include Google Play Store, Apple App Store, and system updates for Android and iOS.
Also, NCC said Location services can consume a lot of data, especially apps that require continuous GPS tracking. Examples include Google Maps, Waze, and fitness apps like Strava.
The Commission noted that some apps display ads that use data even if you do not interact with them. Examples include free-to-play games, ad-supported apps, and some news apps.
According to the NCC, one major reason for fast data depletion is that using your phone abroad can result in data roaming charges, quickly depleting your data allowance.
Another reason is malware and viruses can consume data without your knowledge. NNC advised that it is important to have a reliable antivirus app installed.
The issue is that streaming videos or music, downloading large files, and using data-intensive apps for extended periods can quickly deplete your data limit. Examples include YouTube, Netflix, Spotify, and large online games.
To reduce incidents of data depletion, the Commission advised subscribers to always monitor their data usage, turn off background data usage for specific apps, and switch off automatic updates.
The Commission stated:
According to the NCC, one of the primary causes of data depletion is excessive usage.
It added:
Regarding unsolicited advertisements, the telecom regulator advised subscribers to install ad-blockers.
In a related story, NCC has called on Nigerians using five Google Chrome extension apps to remove them immediately.
The Communications warns that the apps have been designed to steal users’ information.
