Nigeria’s mobile phone users are sounding the alarm as their data disappears at a worrisome rate, sparking frustration and suspicion. What is driving this data depletion crisis? JUSTICE OKAMGBA writes
Consumers are increasingly voicing concerns over unexpected data consumption on their smartphones, causing data bundles to deplete rapidly. This issue appears to be widespread, affecting various networks and apps.
One particularly troubling case involves the Signal app, where users have reported significant data usage without any clear cause.
An internet user, Frank Ekpoma (not his real name), recently reported that a particular social app consumed 2.5GB of mobile data overnight, triggering an alert from his mobile provider about approaching their data limit.
“I experienced unusually high data usage on the Signal app tonight, so much that my phone provider sent me a message saying that my data allowance was almost finished (I’m usually very far from the limit),” Ekpoma explained on Reddit, an online discussion platform.
“Signal used 2.5GB of mobile data, without any apparent reason for it. I found a Reddit user with the same complaint, but nothing in the support forums or GitHub issues.”
The data warning arrived at 08:06, indicating the surge occurred sometime before dawn.
“I did not receive any messages during this night, so I’m quite confused as to how this could have happened,” the user explained, bewildered by the mysterious data drain.
This story is not an isolated one. Across various networks and applications, users have reported sudden spikes in data usage, depleting their data bundles unexpectedly.
The lack of clear patterns or explanations has left many frustrated and anxious about future occurrences.
As users continue to grapple with these unexplained data surges, there is a growing demand for app developers and service providers to investigate and address these anomalies.
Users are calling for better monitoring tools, clearer communication, and effective solutions to prevent such disruptions.
The Consumer Affairs Bureau of the Nigerian Communications Commission has identified seven factors causing data depletion for mobile subscribers in Nigeria.
According to the Commission, there are several factors causing data depletion for most subscribers, and these include:
Background apps
Some apps continue to consume data, even when the users are not actively using them. “Background data usage can quickly add up and deplete your data allowance.”
Advertisements
Some apps display ads that use data. “These ads can consume data even if you don’t interact with them,” the Commission stated.
Roaming
The telecom regulator also identified roaming as one of the factors that could lead to data depletion. “If you travel abroad and use your phone, you may be subject to data roaming charges, which can quickly add up and deplete your data allowance.”
Automatic updates
The automatic updates for apps, operating systems, and other software can also use up a significant amount of data.
Location services
GPS and other location services can consume a lot of data, according to the NCC, especially if you use navigation apps like Google Maps.
Malware
Malware and viruses can consume data without your knowledge. “If you suspect that your phone has been infected, it’s important to remove the malware as soon as possible.”
Excessive usage
One of the main reasons for data depletion is excessive usage. “If you use your phone to stream videos or music, download large files, or use data-intensive apps for a long time, your data limit can quickly be depleted,” it said.
Ultimately, the regulator said any subscriber that consistently runs out of data should consider upgrading to a larger data plan.
Meanwhile, in a move suggesting that the service providers might also be a factor in the data depletion complaints from the subscribers, the Commission recently directed Mobile Network Operators to conduct an independent audit of their billing systems.
Recently, The PUNCH reported that the telecom regulator was also concluding a consultation process to simplify tariff plans that would provide enhanced transparency to the consumer.
“Consumers are empowered to make the right network selection, enjoy seamless onboarding into the network of their choice, enjoy quality service at fair costs, receive responsive customer service, and enjoy protected off-boarding where they choose to leave the network.
“To address consumer complaints on data depletion, the commission has directed Mobile Network Operators (MNOs) to conduct an independent audit of their billing systems and is concluding a consultation process to simplify tariff plans.
“These initiatives would provide enhanced transparency to the consumer,” the statement highlighted.
Recommendations
To help reduce incidents of data depletion, the Commission has issued several recommendations for subscribers.
They advised users to regularly monitor their data usage, disable background data for specific apps, and turn off automatic updates.
Additionally, the Commission suggested that mobile users disable location services for certain apps, as these can consume significant amounts of data.
To combat unsolicited advertisements, the telecom regulator recommends installing ad blockers.
The regulator also emphasized the importance of connecting to Wi-Fi whenever possible to conserve cellular data.
“You can connect to Wi-Fi at home, work, or in public places like cafes or libraries,” the Commission stated.