A dispute has emerged between telecommunication subscribers and service providers in Nigeria over the perceived rapid depletion of data services. Subscribers have voiced concerns that their data is disappearing faster than before, leading them to suspect manipulation by operators. In contrast, telecom providers attribute the issue to increased usage among consumers, suggesting that once subscribers better understand their usage habits, they won’t experience unexpected data depletion.
Experts indicate that the rising costs associated with operating in Nigeria’s challenging economy may have compelled telecom operators to reduce the value of data sold to subscribers without formally announcing price increases. Reports show that operators have faced a 43% rise in the cost of doing business, yet they maintain that they have not raised tariffs.
Some subscribers reported dramatic changes in data consumption. For instance, Mrs. Nafidah Zaynab, a teacher, shared that her N2,000 data bundle used to last nearly a month but now lasts only four to five days, even with heavy usage. Many others echoed her sentiments, urging the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) to intervene.
Idowu Anabili, a trader, has suspended his data subscription due to the financial burden it imposes. Similarly, Abdullahi Yunus, who operates a café catering to students, reported a sharp increase in his monthly data costs, from N30,000 to between N70,000 and N100,000, attributing this to unexplained hikes in data consumption.
Telecom operators, however, assert that they have not increased their data tariffs or reduced data value. Airtel Nigeria’s spokesperson, Femi Adeniran, pointed out that factors such as increased downloading and background app activity contribute to data depletion. An MTN official, speaking anonymously, suggested that consumer data usage has evolved, with more activities requiring greater data, which might lead to the perception of rapid depletion.
The NCC has clarified that it has not authorized any price increases or changes in data value. In a recent statement, the NCC attributed data depletion to various factors, both technical and non-technical. Technical reasons include the automatic playing of videos by browsers, background app updates, and the shift to higher-quality streaming with faster internet speeds. Non-technical factors involve low purchasing power leading to the purchase of smaller data bundles, increased social media use, and consumer lack of awareness regarding data management.
In addition to these strategies, the MNOs encourage consumers to take advantage of the various data plans available, which cater to different needs and usage patterns. By choosing the right plan—whether for social media, night usage, or weekends—subscribers can optimize their data consumption and potentially save costs.
Furthermore, the campaign highlights the importance of utilizing Wi-Fi whenever possible, especially for activities that consume large amounts of data, such as streaming and downloading large files. Subscribers are also urged to regularly update their devices and apps to ensure they have the latest security features, which can help prevent unauthorized access and data leaks.
Overall, this proactive approach by Nigeria’s MNOs aims to empower consumers with the knowledge and tools necessary to manage their data effectively, ensuring they receive value for their subscriptions while navigating the evolving telecommunications landscape. As the telecommunications landscape continues to evolve with advancements in network technology, consumers are encouraged to adapt their usage habits to mitigate data depletion and maximize the value of their subscriptions.