₦airaland Forum

The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) has highlighted nine ways Nigerians can manage their data to avoid quick depletion amidst subscribers’ allegations that the service providers were siphoning their data.

While the Commission and telecom operators have repeatedly debunked the subscribers’ claim about data depletion, NCC noted that rapid advancements in technology have led to new features on smartphones that many consumers may not fully understand.

This knowledge gap, according to the Commission, often results in unintentionally high data consumption, which can frustrate users and erode trust.

NCC’s 9 data management tips

The Commission in what it called “Smart Data Management Tips” said the following actions can help Nigerians control data usage on their phones:

1. Monitor Data Usage: Regularly check data usage using built-in trackers or third-party apps.

2. Use Wi-Fi: Connect to Wi-Fi whenever possible to conserve cellular data.

3. Turn off Automatic Updates: Disable automatic updates for apps and software; update manually when on Wi-Fi.

4. Restrict Background Data: Limit background data usage for specific apps.

5. Download Content for Offline Use: Download media and content while on Wi-Fi for offline use.

6. Data Caching: Store frequently accessed data locally (offline) to reduce the need for repeated downloads.

7. Disable Location Services: Turn off GPS and location services for specific apps or altogether.

8. Data-saving Modes: Go to settings and turn on the data-saving mode on your phone to reduce consumption.

9. Data Rollover: Transfer unused data to the next billing cycle or month

What NCC is doing about data completion

The Director of Consumer Affairs Bureau at the NCC, Mrs. Freda Bruce-Bennett, said the Commission has championed a study on the issue of data depletion complaints by subscribers.

She said the Commission has also taken proactive steps by promoting data usage transparency initiatives and enforcing fair usage policies, while there is an ongoing engagement with service providers to enhance the overall Quality of Experience in the industry.

“These efforts are directly tied to the broader goal of promoting effective Data management. It is important that telecom subscribers are equipped with the knowledge of how to monitor, control, and optimize the usage of their mobile data bundle allowance, be it daily, weekly, or monthly plans,” she said.

Bruce-Bennett also noted that there are several factors that can affect the rate at which data is used up or consumed by a subscriber.

What you should know

• According to recent data released by the Commission, data depletion has been one of the most prevalent complaints received from telecom consumers in the country.

• Explaining why subscribers experience data depletion at one of its forums, the Commission noted that technically, most browsers play videos by default even when the user only opened a site to read text, thus depleting their data.

• The Commission also cited factors such as streaming videos and music on apps like Netflix, YouTube, and Spotify, which use large amounts of data.

Source: https://nairametrics.com/2025/08/17/ncc-lists-9-ways-nigerians-can-save-data-amidst-complaints-over-data-depletion/

These people aren't serious at all.... Instead of them to regulate the rate at which telecommunication companies are inflating their charges, they are here listing options wey no follow....

Most of us that use heavy data for work aren't finding it funny at all... You must try sub unlimited plan before your mind can be at rest for a month, else MTN pop up messages on data go just give person high BP.... The annoying part is when they send you your data balance and still ask you if you want to share with family and friends? for this Tpain regime? Like WTF

Nonsense

This is a speech of "when stupid people talk"

Hmmm. These people are playing on our intelligence seriously.

Why the lecture? Is it out of pity?

Teaching the people how not to give you money is both suspicious and malicious.

MTN has quietly hiked its tariffs three times in just two months—so cleverly disguised that subscribers barely noticed. Imagine this: ₦9,000 that gave us 50GB of data last month has now been slashed to a mere 37.5GB. This is not just unfair, it is daylight exploitation masked as business.

Instead of constantly sermonizing to Nigerians about conserving data we cannot control, the NCC must rise to its duty—regulating billing practices and holding telecom giants accountable. What citizens need is consumer protection, not empty advice. Anything less is simply enabling corporate exploitation at the expense of millions.

Very funny and silly list on ‘how to save your data’.

Rolllover when 1 month data last only for few days

Did all these recommendations and the data still finishes within few days

Imagine the kind of stress they are telling us to pass through to conserve data consumption. This is absolutely ridiculous!

Make una do something about this shit data consumption issue seriously.
The data I use during last weekend (Friday to Sunday) can successfully take me for 2 months in te past. All I can account for was watching My darling Arsenal vs efulefu Man U. I no lie

And some persons will be here defending dis clueless govt. Smh

NCC get sense so? Na wetin dem suppose dey talk about be dis? A lazy youth working there must have posted this.

Public WiFi!
Do we have such in this country at all? I mean the free ones. Where do they expect the masses to get such facilities?

This connect to Wifi. Shey nah who get the password dey connect to am..

You people can do more better.. country hard like igneous rock..

They forgot to mention putting your device in "flight mode" until you're about to make calls or surf the internet

The telecom. Companies should reduce their data charges and return bonuses, these are the best steps to reduce customer's complains.

Nothing new on the list.
In fact some are weird.

My data keep running like water, I now spend more on data than on food.

BlocksNG:
NC dey craazwee. How many public wifi is available in whole Nigeria?

Public wifi is not even safe
..bla bla bla bla bla bla

Nigeria is indeed a funny place. Instead of ncc, a regulatory body to investigate and subsequently put safeguards in place to protect consumers from these data thieves( telecom companies) they are preaching nonsense. I can tell anyone who cares to listen that should a thorough investigation be conducted u will discover that your 1gb data is like 700mb to 800mb in reality that the companies give u.

Which wifi are these m0røñs talking about?

It's as if they provided free WiFi for Nigerians in public places......What they should be concerned about is the price of data by these criminal minded network providers.

The NCC is part and parcel of the problem concerning the sizzling data depletion by the the telecom operators.

Instead of doing the job of regulating the operators for which it was established rather chose to act in cahoots with them to continuously fleece Nigerians of their hard-earned money.


The NCC and not the operators is now "sensitizing" Nigerians on how to reduce swift data consumption.


NCC and the telecom operators: no be una fault.


Cow wey no get tail na God dey help am drive flies.


Robbing Nigerians blind on a steady!




@hotseat

Great100000:
Source: https://nairametrics.com/2025/08/17/ncc-lists-9-ways-nigerians-can-save-data-amidst-complaints-over-data-depletion/

Just say, "Off your phone to make data last very long."

So laughable .
The current NCC board don't have the interest of the masses at heart.
Mr Ernest Ndukwe, take your flowers.

Fun fact:
NCC actually sets a minimum charges that the Telco cannot charge below.
I kid you not!😒

Fun fact:
NCC actually sets a minimum charges that the Telco cannot charge below.
I kid you not!😒
These Telcos are operating a cartel and NCC is their facilitator.

He reach make una talk now

Since some persons have decided say whatever this government does is good


Cos what in the name of sense is this??

People don't get value for money and the only thing a government agency could pull up is this trash.

Great100000:
Source: https://nairametrics.com/2025/08/17/ncc-lists-9-ways-nigerians-can-save-data-amidst-complaints-over-data-depletion/

Just tell us to off data na. Which one is restrict background data and be on data saving mode? They even mentioned WiFi? WiFi from where?