NCC Identifies Apps, GPS, Viruses, Others As Causes Of Subscribers’ Data Depletion
Following the incessant complaints from subscribers about how their data subscriptions are getting depleted quickly by service providers, the Consumer Affairs Bureau of the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) says that it has identified seven factors causing data depletion for mobile subscribers in Nigeria.
The Consumer Affairs Bureau of the NCC hinted that some apps continue to consume data even when the users are not actively using them, adding “Background data usage can quickly add up and deplete your data allowance.
The Commission also observed that automatic updates for apps, operating systems, and other software can also use up a significant amount of data.
According to NCC, the GPS and other location services can consume a lot of data, especially if you use navigation apps like Google Maps.
The Commission stated that “Some apps display ads that use data. These ads can consume data even if you don’t interact with them,”
It also identified roaming as one of the factors that could lead to data depletion, adding “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.”
The Commission highlighted that 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,” the telecom regulator advised.
The Commission stated further that one of the foremost 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 emphasized.
Accordingly, the Commission advised that in order to reduce incidents of data depletion, subscribers should always monitor their data usage, turn off background data usage for specific apps, and switch off automatic updates.
The Commission also advised mobile users to disable location services for some specific apps as such services consume a lot of data, while subscribers should install ad-blockers for unsolicited advertisements.
