Lagos residents are expressing increasing frustration over what they describe as the rapid depletion of their data bundles.
Many subscribers are now calling on the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) to address their concerns as they suspect changes in billing practices by telecommunication providers.
Numerous subscribers have reported that their data does not last as long as it used to. A Lagos-based teacher, Mrs. Nafidah Zaynab, shared her experience, stating that a N2,000 data bundle, which previously lasted almost a month, now depletes within just a few days.
This sentiment is echoed by many, including Idowu Anabili, a trader who has reduced his data usage due to rising costs.
Abdullahi Yunus, who runs a café, noted a significant increase in his data expenses, spending between N70,000 and N100,000 monthly, up from N30,000. He attributes this spike to faster data consumption.
Telecom operators deny any wrongdoing, attributing the faster data consumption to increased usage by subscribers.
An anonymous official from MTN explained that the variety of activities performed on smartphones has increased, leading to faster data usage.
Airtel Nigeria’s spokesperson, Mr. Femi Adeniran, suggested that background apps and high-definition streaming contribute to the issue.
Despite complaints, operators assert they have not officially increased data prices. They emphasize that automatic app updates and other technical factors may be responsible for the perceived quick depletion.
Experts suggest that the challenging economic climate may be pressuring telecom companies to subtly reduce data value.
The industry has reported a 43% rise in operational costs, although no formal tariff hikes have been announced.
The NCC has clarified that it has not authorized any increase in data tariffs. The commission highlights technical factors like automatic video play and app updates as potential causes for quick data depletion.
In a bid to assist consumers, the NCC has advised turning on data saver modes and managing app updates to conserve data.
To combat the issue, Mobile Network Operators (MNOs) have initiated a campaign to educate consumers on optimizing their data usage.
They recommend practices such as disabling automatic updates and closing unused apps.