Dr. Aminu Maida, the Executive Vice Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), has addressed consumer concerns on data depletion, emphasizing that the commission’s findings revealed most depletions are due to advancements in technology.

Dr. Maida delivered this message during a keynote speech at the 93rd Telecoms Consumer Parliament (TCP) held at the Communications and Digital Economy Complex Auditorium. The event, themed “Optimizing Data Experience: Empowering Consumers through Awareness and Transparency in a Consumer-Centric Telecom Industry,” underscored the critical need for data transparency and consumer empowerment in Nigeria’s telecommunications sector.

He highlighted the remarkable transformation of Nigeria’s telecommunications landscape over the past two decades, evolving from basic voice services to high-speed data connectivity.

He emphasized the significant impact of 3G, 4G, and now 5G networks on the adoption of digital services such as social media, e-commerce, and online banking. With the increasing demand for data, Dr. Maida addressed pressing consumer concerns over data depletion and billing transparency.

“Despite the advancements in technology, many consumers feel their data depletes faster than expected,” Dr. Maida stated. “Our analysis revealed that data depletion and billing issues are top concerns for consumers.

“In response, we directed Mobile Network Operators and ISPs to conduct audits of their billing systems, which reported no major issues.

“However, perceptions persist due to the impact of high-resolution devices and the complexity of operator tariffs.”

Dr. Maida explained that with the advent of 4G and 5G networks, as well as devices with ultra-high-definition screens, data consumption has naturally increased. For instance, viewing a photo on Instagram that might have required only 100 kilobytes of data five years ago can now consume between two to four megabytes due to advanced camera resolutions. Streaming platforms like YouTube can consume about 3.5 to 5.4 gigabytes per hour, further contributing to data depletion concerns.

To tackle these challenges, the NCC launched a Joint Industry Campaign on Consumer Awareness on Smarter Data Usage, aimed at educating consumers on effective data management.

The campaign spans various media platforms, including radio, television, newspapers, and SMS, offering practical tips for managing data usage.

Dr. Maida also highlighted the NCC’s efforts to simplify tariffs and provide clear, accessible information on data plans and pricing. “Transparency will empower consumers to make better-informed decisions about their data usage and billing,” he asserted.

In addition to these initiatives, the NCC is finalizing Major Incident Reporting Guidelines, which will require operators to inform consumers of major incidents impacting their networks.

The Commission is also working on coverage maps detailing operators’ network strength across the country, allowing consumers to make more informed choices when selecting an operator.

Dr. Maida concluded his speech by reaffirming the NCC’s commitment to transparency and accountability within the sector. “Our goal is to create a truly consumer-centric telecom industry, where consumers feel valued, informed, empowered, and satisfied with the services they receive,” he said.

The 93rd Telecoms Consumer Parliament provided a platform for open and honest dialogue, with stakeholders discussing ways to optimize the data experience for telecom consumers in Nigeria.