We’re inundated with data depletion complaints - NCC

The Nigerian Communications Commission, NCC, has expressed concerns over the depletion of the data of telecoms consumers by Mobile Network Operators, (MNO), saying the Commission was being inundated by complaints from consumers on daily basis.

Its Executive Vice Chairman, Prof Umar Danbatta said there is urgent need to address the issues around data depletion especially as the Commission has licensed two operators to provide services riding on the Fifth Generation (5G) technology for the telecoms industry.

Prof Danbatta made the remarks at the Digital Economy Complex, Mbora, Abuja, while addressing participants and industry stakeholders at the 91st Edition of the Telecom Consumer Parliament (TCP).

Represented by Director, Licensing and Authorisation of the NCC, Malam Muhammed Babajika, he noted that data depletion could be attributed to various factors, adding that a holistic approach should be adopted to address concerns raised by consumers.

The theme of the 2023 TCP was “Data Depletion: Discussion on the various perspectives.”

Prof Danbatta said: “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 licences 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 Data Depletion: Discussions on Various Perspectives” to understand the various perspectives to this prevalent issue, identify the possible causes, and brainstorm on the way forward.

“During this programme, we will listen to representatives of the Regulator, the Industry and the Consumer Advocacy Groups as they present the issue of data depletion as seen from their respective perspectives.

“As much as the Commission has an obligation to the telecom consumer, it also has an obligation to the Industry; a symbiotic relationship in which one party cannot survive without the other.

“The consumers are the basis for the operators’ business; if their interests are ignored, the operators’ investments would collapse, and there would be no industry for the Commission to regulate.

“It is thus expedient that we utilize opportunities presented by the Commission’s high-level outreach events such as this parliament to genuinely exchange ideas on how to reduce the challenges militating against effective service provision to the barest minimum,” Danbatta asserted.