Business, Featured
By Anthony Isibor
WITH over 5 billion internet users globally as noted by DataReportal, the Nigerian Communications Commission, NCC, says it is working to address consumer concerns about data usage as it has become imperative to ensure an optimized data experience.
The Executive Vice Chairman of the Nigerian Communications Commission, NCC, Aminu Maida, who made the statement at the 93rd Telecoms Consumer Parliament noted that it is important to address the issue, especially as consumers continue to feel that their data depletes faster than expected.
Speaking at the event which was held on Friday, Nov. 8, 2024, the NCC boss said that the theme “Optimizing Data Experience: Empowering Consumers through Awareness and Transparency in a Consumer-Centric Telecom Industry” was timely due to advancement in digital technology.
“This theme is timely, as internet use has become essential to daily life, and our role at the NCC is to not only ensure accessibility but to enhance service delivery for consumers.
“Today, as data consumption grows, fueled by digital advancements, we must address consumer concerns over data depletion and billing transparency.”
Maida, however, explained that two factors including: “The impact of high-resolution devices and improved technologies on data use as well as the complexity of operator tariffs” are responsible for peoples’ perception of data consumption and billing
He said that this was realized earlier this year when it analyzed consumer complaints.
“In response,
we directed Mobile Network Operators and ISPs to conduct audits of their billing systems, which reported no major issues.
“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 set you off an average of 600 Megabytes of your data, while streaming platforms like YouTube would set you off by 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 one year. These viewers are now spending more time on their telephones, tablets and smart TVs streaming programmes that they would previously have watched on broadcast television,” he explained.
NCC’s Efforts.
Recognizing these challenges, the Commission, in collaboration with major operators, launched a Joint Industry Campaign on Consumer Awareness on Smarter Data Usage.
This media campaign, spanning radio, television, newspapers, and SMS, aims to educate consumers on effective data management.
Speaking on the initiatives, Maida said that it had put out jingles or graphics offering tips for managing data.
“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.
“Smartphones, even when idle, often run background applications like automatic updates and location services, which consume data. Additionally, high-definition streaming services like Netflix consume substantial data— about three gigabytes per hour in high definition, or seven gigabytes in ultra-high definition.
“The Commission believes that an informed consumer is a better-equipped consumer, leading to a clearer understanding of data consumption and reducing misconceptions about data depletion.
“In addition, to address tariff complexity, NCC issued a Guidance on Tariff Simplification, requiring operators to provide clear, accessible information on data plans and pricing. This transparency will empower consumers to make better-informed decisions about their data usage and billing.
“In the coming months, operators will implement this guidance, presenting consumers with tables detailing their tariff plans, billing rates on each plan, and all terms and conditions related to the tariff plans they are on.” he added.
A.I
Nov. 9, 2024
Tags: Aminu Maida NCC
