NCC engages stakeholders on curbing data depletion as subscribers lament

The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) says it is engaging with stakeholders on curbing data depletion.

Umar Danbatta, executive vice chairman of NCC, spoke at the 91st edition of the telecom consumer parliament (TCP) held in Abuja on Thursday.

The event was themed “Data Depletion: Discussions on Various Perspectives”.

Danbatta was represented at the event by Muhammed Babajika, director, licensing and authorisation, at NCC.

He said that data depletion was one of the most prevalent complaints received from telecom consumers in the country.

Danbatta said most of the complaints come as a result of the consumers’ recent migration to 4G/LTE technology.

The NCC boss said that issues about fifth-generation technology (5G), opportunities, and challenges were prominent in the 90th edition of the TCP which was held in Lagos on June 23, 2022.

He said the commission, as a result of the 90th event, had increased its capacity to handle type approval of devices as a result of the introduction of 5G.

He said consumers have been experiencing depletion of their data either as a result of data usage or consumption, adding that they were constantly informing the NCC of their experience.

Danbatta said that the nation struggled with the effect of the COVID-19 pandemic which necessitated an upsurge in the use of data-enabled devices for communication whether for school, work, or social interaction.

“This deliberation could therefore not have come at a more auspicious time, as Nigeria moves with the rest of the world towards 5G technology,” NAN quoted him as saying.

“This followed the issuance of 3.5GHz spectrum licenses to MTN Nigeria Communications Limited, MAFAB Communications Limited, and Airtel Networks Limited.

“It is therefore important that we completely appreciate and understand the issues surrounding data depletion, its usage, and consumption in the era of 4G technology before we fully commence 5G usage.

“It is against this backdrop that the commission invited the key industry players today to dialogue on the theme.”

Also speaking at the event, Ayanbanji Ojo, head of the consumer affairs bureau, NCC, said the parliament was for the benefit of telecom consumers.

“It is our responsibility to ensure that the consumers’ voices are heard and that their complaints are addressed by the relevant stakeholders,” Ojo said.