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By; Japheth Oladele
The challenge of data depletion among telecommunications subscribers is attributed to a combination of technical and non-technical factors, as noted by experts. A recent report from cable.co.uk placed Nigeria at 31st among countries with the cheapest data, boasting an average price of $0.39 per 1GB. However, substantial discrepancies exist within the country, with 1GB costs ranging from $0.13 to a high of $1.64. According to the 2023 Digital Quality of Life Index, Nigerians work 35 hours, 25 minutes a month to afford fixed broadband Internet.

Automatic updates of apps and automatic uploads of videos and pictures to the cloud on smartphones contribute significantly to data depletion. The surge in internet usage in Nigeria is credited to various factors, such as the widespread availability of cost-effective internet access devices, improved network infrastructure, and the continual growth of the digital economy.

Other technical factors include the increase in internet speed due to migration to 4G, adding that migration automatically plays videos in high-quality formats, thus consuming more data. Experts recommended a multi-faceted approach, including manual control of automatic updates and uploads, adjusting video quality settings, and identifying and managing data-hungry apps.
Reuben Muoka, the Director of Public Affairs at the Nigerian Communications Commission, advised individuals to monitor their data usage, noting that the fundamental quantity of 1GB remains unchanged.

Muoka highlighted that perceived differences may arise from increased network speed or unwitting engagement in data-intensive activities like app downloads, uploads, or extensive voice and video calls on platforms such as WhatsApp. Additionally, he mentioned that Nigeria ranks 11th globally in terms of internet penetration, as reported by the NCC.

Enable data-saver mode
Users activate data-saver mode and utilize data-saving browsers and applications to manage and reduce data consumption. The use of data compression applications like Opera Max or Chrome Data Saver minimizes data usage, thereby establishing data limits in phone settings and receiving alerts as thresholds approach.

In addition, users can disable automatic app updates, as some applications consume excessive data in the background. Users monitor data usage statistics regularly to identify and address data-intensive apps. For those using Google Maps, it is recommended that downloading offline maps for navigation will minimize reliance on mobile data while using only GPS.

Digital literacy
Users are encouraged to explore budget-friendly data plans, underscoring the importance of digital literacy in enabling subscribers to make informed decisions regarding their data consumption. Leveraging offline modes and download features in apps to store content for future use. Particularly, the advantages of this approach for music and video streaming services and the need to download content over Wi-Fi enables users to enjoy their favorite media without relying on mobile data each time. Implementing these strategies, individuals can effectively reduce their mobile data usage and potentially lower their monthly expenses.

Turn off non-essential apps
Cellular data for non-essential apps can typically be disabled thereby opting for Wi-Fi when at school. Subscribing to midnight plans, for instance obtaining 500MB for just N50 on MTN Pulse,is also a routine that can be followed almost daily or occasionally. Similar offerings are available not only from MTN but also from Glo and, presumably, Airtel. These strategies can also be employed. In the broader context, stakeholders in the sector consistently stress the vital role of the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) in regulating telecom companies. This regulation is seen as essential for maintaining a fair and competitive market, protecting consumers’ interests, and fostering the overall development of telecommunications services in Nigeria.

Battery save mode
For Android users, you don’t have to be as extreme, but aim to strike a balance between data usage and ease of use. It is recommended that battery save mode is activated whenever possible to prevent background data loading.
Furthermore, users are advised to visit app settings and disable notifications for apps like Discord, Slack, Facebook, Instagram, etc., as these apps are known to consume a significant amount of data in the background.