Following growing concerns by Nigerian internet users, the Nigerian Communications Commission, NCC, has urged the network providers to transparent in their data billing.
This is even as the Commission stressed the need to address consumer concerns over data depletion and transparency amidst growing data consumption, fueled by digital advancements.
According to NCC, Nigerians spend an average of 4 hours and 20 minutes on social media daily. This it stated is far above the global average and underscoring how deeply embedded digital interaction is in our lives.
Quoting DataReportal, the NCC noted that the world’s internet users are spending less time watching television. It also stressed that the average daily television viewing has fallen by over 8% in the past year.
This, it said, is because viewers are now spending more time on their telephones, tablets, and smart TVs streaming programs. This is more than they would previously have watched on broadcast television.
This was disclosed by the Executive Vice Chairman of NCC, Dr. Aminu Maida, on Thursday in Abuja.
Maida made this disclosure at the 93rd Telecoms Consumer Parliament with the theme “Optimising Data Experience: Empowering Consumers through Awareness and Transparency in a Consumer-Centric Telecom Industry”.
He noted that in 2024, Nigeria’s daily data usage averaged 336 gigabytes per second. Marking a 39% increase from the previous year. The Executive Vice Chairman added that this is a clear indication of the data-driven lifestyle many Nigerians lead.
Maida, however, observed that despite this, many consumers feel their data depletes faster than expected. He added that earlier this year, NCC analyzed consumer complaints, revealing data depletion and billing issues as top concerns.
Maida stated that in response, that the Commission directed Mobile Network Operators and ISPs to conduct audits of their billing systems, which reported no major issues.
“However, perceptions persist due to two main factors, including the impact of high-resolution devices and improved technologies on data use, and the complexity of operator tariffs. With the advent of 4G and 5G, as well as devices with ultra-high-definition screens, data consumption has naturally increased. For example, while viewing a photo on Instagram might have required only 100 kilobytes of data five years ago, today, with advanced camera resolutions, a photo can consume between two to four megabytes when opened on Instagram.
“According to Tech Advisor, an online resource that offers tech reviews, spending an hour on Instagram can use an average of 600 megabytes of your data. While streaming platforms like YouTube would use about 3.5 to 5.4 gigabytes per hour. Improved technologies go beyond their purchase cost to our pockets; they also come at a cost to data. Because they have better screen resolutions, they consume higher quality media that consumes more data. This is the same for our increasing digital habits. According to DataReportal, the world’s internet users are spending less time watching television. The average daily television viewing has fallen by over 8% in the past year. These viewers are now spending more time on their telephones, tablets, and smart TVs. Streaming programs that they would previously have watched on broadcast television,” he said.
Quoting DataReportal, the NCC boss stated that there are now over 5 billion internet users in the world. With Nigeria alone accounting for 132 million connections. He, therefore, pointed out that the Commission is working to address consumer concerns about data usage.
“Recognizing these challenges, the Commission, in collaboration with major operators, launched a Joint Industry Campaign on Consumer Awareness on Smarter Data Usage. Our message emphasizes empowering consumers with the knowledge to optimize their data usage. For example, many smartphone users may not know that their devices can track data usage. And allow them to set limits on the amount of data they want to use,” he said.
Maida explained that high-definition streaming services like Netflix consume substantial data—about three gigabytes per hour in high definition, or seven gigabytes in ultra-high definition. He added that the Commission believes that an informed consumer is a better-equipped consumer. Which lead to a clearer understanding of data consumption and reducing misconceptions about data depletion.
The NCC boss, however, lamented that the industry also faces challenges such as vandalism and theft of telecom assets. These, he said, frustrate operators’ efforts to deliver quality telecom services.
Maida noted that in July 2024, through NCC’s advocacy and collaboration with key stakeholders, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu signed a Presidential Order designating telecom infrastructure as Critical National Information Infrastructure. He pointed out that this Executive Order strengthens the commission’s ability to address issues of vandalism, tampering, and unauthorized access to telecom infrastructure.
The NCC boss also noted that the current macroeconomic challenges and the rising cost of business in the country are impacting the ability of operators to make the necessary investments in the sector. He, therefore, stated that the Commission is mindful of this and is actively working with other arms of government and stakeholders to address these issues and ensure the industry’s sustainability.
source: Daily Post
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