Why data bundles disappear fast, more costly in Nigeria – Akpatason, experts explain
Telecommunications Stakeholders Discuss Data Consumption Challenges
ABUJA – At an event titled “Data on Trial,” held in Nigeria’s capital, industry experts, legal practitioners, and representatives from the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) gathered to address concerns over the rapid depletion of mobile data among subscribers. The forum aimed to clarify misconceptions related to data usage and pricing in the country.
During the event, Rep. Ehiozuwa Johnson Akpatason highlighted that discussions revealed some misunderstandings, notably the belief that data costs more in Nigeria than in other African nations and globally. Akpatason emphasized that consumers must adopt certain protective measures to safeguard unused data, which can otherwise be lost under specific conditions.
On the topic of investment in the telecommunications sector, Akpatason noted that while significant funding has been injected into the industry, further investment remains necessary to enhance service delivery. “Apart from the oil sector, I think telecoms is the next in this country. There is room for more investment, and I will advise our people to continue to invest in the industry,” he remarked.
Karl Toriola, Chief Executive Officer of MTN Nigeria, attributed the perceived high cost of data subscriptions to the substantial expenses that telecommunications operators incur for electricity and transportation to network sites.
Ekito Labo-Albert, who serves as the Head Prosecutor for subscribers, raised concerns regarding the swift depletion of data, which he noted has hindered opportunities for some Nigerians due to unreliable services. He called for enhanced consumer education and better service provisions from network operators, ensuring that subscribers receive adequate information regarding the services they purchase.
Labo-Albert referred to the Consumer Protection Act, stating that consumers possess rights to safety, accurate information, and freedom of choice. He posed critical questions about the potential for compensation for subscribers who experience losses due to unexpected data depletion. “Will there be remediation today after data has been found to be guilty?” he asked, expressing hope that the discussions would lead to resolutions for affected subscribers.
Information technology expert Michael Ndukwe explained that various technical factors and user behaviors contribute to rapid data consumption, often without subscribers’ awareness. He noted that discrepancies in reported data usage could arise from differences in how devices measure data, particularly during conversions between bytes, megabytes, and gigabytes.
Ndukwe offered insight into the nuances of data sessions, indicating that their overlap across time periods complicates the calculation of data usage. He identified video streaming quality as a significant factor influencing data consumption, stating that platforms like Netflix and YouTube can vary in data usage depending on whether users select standard definition (SD), high definition (HD), or 4K resolution.
He further cautioned that modern devices, including smart televisions, may automatically adjust video quality to enhance streaming and reduce buffering, which can result in higher data consumption. Additionally, he warned that applications running in the background could continue to use data even when not actively engaged.
To manage data consumption effectively, Ndukwe advised subscribers to review their application settings, streaming resolutions, and background data permissions. He also pointed out that faster network connections increase data usage rates, while the type of network—such as 3G or 4G—delivers varying speeds and impacts the overall user experience. For those sharing Wi-Fi connections, he recommended monitoring usage and utilizing available data-management tools to control excessive consumption by connected devices.
