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Data depletion is one of the most common complaints heard from telecom customers, according to the Executive Vice Chairman, EVC, and Chief Executive Officer, CEO, of the Nigerian Communications Commission, NCC.
According to him, the majority of complaints are a result of consumers' recent switch to 4G/LTE technology.
The EVC was represented at the 91st Telecom Consumer Parliament, TCP, held in Abuja on Thursday by Muhammad Babajika, Director of Licensing & Authorization.
The EVC said that the 90th Edition of the TCP, held in Lagos on June 23, 2022, focused heavily on topics related to 5G technology, prospects, and challenges.
He claimed that as a result of the 90th event and the rollout of 5G, the Commission has improved its ability to manage device type clearance.
Speaking on the topic of "Data Depletion: Discussions on Different Views," which serves as the event's theme this year, he said that customers have been reporting to the NCC that they have been experiencing data depletion as a result of data usage or consumption.
He pointed out that the COVID-19 lockdown had a negative impact on the country and forced an increase in the usage of data-enabled gadgets for social, professional, and educational communication.
The issuance of 3.5GHz spectrum licenses to MTN Nigeria Communications Limited, MAFAB Communications Limited, and Airtel Networks Limited, he noted, has caused Nigeria to advance along with the rest of the globe toward 5G technology.
"Thus, before we fully implement 5G usage, it is crucial that we thoroughly appreciate and comprehend the challenges surrounding data depletion, its utilization, and consumption in the era of 4G technology.
In light of this, the Commission today invited significant business stakeholders to a discussion on the subject of "Data Depletion:
"Discussions on Different Views" to comprehend the numerous viewpoints on this common problem, pinpoint the potential reasons, and provide ideas for the future.
"In this session, we'll hear from regulator, industry, and consumer advocacy group officials as they discuss the problem of data depletion from their various points of view.
The Commission has a duty to the industry in addition to its duty to the telecom customer; these two obligations are intertwined and dependent on one another for survival.
"The operators' businesses rely on consumers; if their interests were disregarded, their investments would fail and there would be no industry for the Commission to supervise.
"It is also necessary that we take advantage of the opportunity provided by the Commission's high-level outreach events, like this Parliament, to really exchange views on how to minimize the obstacles standing in the way of successful service supply," he said.
