NCC, stakeholders brainstorm on how to curb data depletion
By CALLISTUS OFFOR, Abuja –
The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), has engaged a broad spectrum of telecom consumers, operators and an array of other stakeholders on how best to curb data depletion in the country.
NATIONAL ACCORD reports that event, which is the 91st edition of Telecom Consumer Parliament (TCP), was held on Thursday at NCC’s Communication & Digital Economy Complex Auditorium Complex, Mbora District, Abuja.
Executive Vice Chairman/CEO of the Commission, Prof Umar Garba Danbatta, said the theme for the event: “Data Depletion: Discussion on Various Perspectives,” was apt as it offered the regulator an opportunity to bring telecom operators and consumers together to understand the various perspectives to this prevalent issue, identify the possible causes, and brainstorm on the way forward.
Prof Danbatta, who was represented by the NCC Director, Licensing and Authorisation, Muhammed Babajika, said the issue of data depletion had become one of the most prevalent complaints received from the telecom consumers in the wake of their recent migration to 4G/LTE technology.
He said: “This edition comes on the heels of the 90th Edition which held in Lagos on 23rd June 2022, where the Commission gathered industry players to discuss the theme “5G Technology: Opportunities and Challenges”.
“You may be pleased to know that as an outcome of that event, the Commission has increased its capacity to handle type approval of devices as a result of the introduction of 5G enabled devices, and also intensified its efforts to educate telecom consumers on the benefits of 5G, particularly as regards the higher speed of data.
“We are here today to deliberate on the issue of data depletion, which has become one of the most prevalent complaints received from the telecom consumers in the wake of their recent migration to 4G/LTE technology. Consumers have been experiencing depletion of their data either as a result of data usage or consumption, and are constantly informing the Commission of their experience through our various complaints channels.
“The onset of the COVID-19 pandemic was the catalyst for the global explosion of new technologies which opened up an array of services, dynamic business models and new opportunities and markets globally.
“The Nigerian telecom industry was not left out, going by the documented upsurge in the use of computers, smartphones, smartwatches, and other technology-dependent devices which have given consumers access to multi-functional comfort and utility. Technology has eased interaction for a majority of the populace using social and instant messaging applications.
“No doubt, the underlying technology for these services is the internet, which drives connectivity. It is within the context of the subscription and usage of the internet that consumers are experiencing what they refer to as abnormal depletion of their data, which gives rise to the reason we are here today.
“This deliberation could therefore not have come at a more auspicious time, as Nigeria moves with the rest of the world towards 5G technology following the issuance of 3.5GHz spectrum licenses to MTN Nigeria Communications Limited, MAFAB Communications Limited and Airtel Networks Limited.
“It is pertinent to know that whereas 4G offers better download speeds, higher bandwidth and voice quality than 3G technology, 5G technology provides the additional benefits of ultra-high speed data, low latency and higher bandwidth over 4G technology.
“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.”
On his part, the Commission’s Head of Consumer Affairs Bureau, Mr Ayanbanji Ojo, said the telecom Consumer Parliament had reinforced more effort aimed at protecting telecom consumers’ interest and ultimately promoting a healthy telecom industry.
Mr. Ojo noted that the interests of the telecom consumer was of paramount importance and the Commission has the responsibility of ensuring that the consumer’s voice is heard, and that the relevant authorities address their complaints.
The event brought together stakeholders from Airtel, Glo, 9mobile, MTN, Ntel, MAFAB, ALTON and Spectranet, amongst others.
Highlights of the event were paper presentations from the regulatory, industry and consumer perspective on data depletion, panel discussion as well as the presentation of resolutions