Nigerians Misunderstand Data Consumption as Telecom Experts Explain Fast Bundle Depletion

The Chairman of the House of Representatives Committee on Communications, Peter Akpatason, has said misconceptions about data usage, pricing and bundle depletion remain widespread among Nigerian telecommunications subscribers.

Akpatason spoke in Abuja at an event tagged Data on Trial, which brought together the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), legal practitioners and information technology experts to examine why subscribers often exhaust their data bundles faster than expected.

According to the lawmaker, discussions at the event helped address misconceptions about data pricing, including the belief that internet data is more expensive in Nigeria than in other African countries and other parts of the world. He also said subscribers learnt about protective measures that may help prevent unused data from being lost under applicable conditions.

Akpatason described telecommunications as a major investment sector in Nigeria, saying it had attracted substantial funding but still needed additional investment to improve services. He encouraged Nigerians to continue investing in the industry.

MTN Nigeria Chief Executive Officer Karl Toriola attributed the perceived high cost of data subscriptions partly to the substantial expenses operators face in providing electricity and transportation to their network sites.

Meanwhile, Head Prosecutor for subscribers Ekito Labo-Albert challenged telecom operators over complaints of rapid data depletion and unreliable services. He called for better consumer education and improved service delivery, stressing that subscribers deserved clear information about the products they purchased.

Labo-Albert cited consumer protection provisions relating to safety, accurate information and freedom of choice. He also questioned whether subscribers who suffer losses because of unexpected data depletion could receive compensation, asking whether remedies would follow if data-related complaints were established.

Information technology expert Michael Ndukwe explained that several technical factors and user habits could contribute to fast data consumption. These include differences in how devices calculate data usage, background applications, streaming quality and the number of devices connected to a Wi-Fi network.

Ndukwe said variations in measurement methods and rounding calculations could produce discrepancies in reported usage. He also explained that streaming platforms such as Netflix and YouTube consume different amounts of data depending on whether users select standard definition, high definition or 4K resolution.

He warned that smart televisions and other modern devices may automatically increase video quality, while applications running in the background can continue using data even when subscribers are not actively using them. Faster connections may also allow users to consume larger amounts of data more quickly.

The expert advised subscribers to review application settings, reduce streaming resolution where appropriate, restrict background data and monitor devices connected to shared Wi-Fi networks. He noted that network types such as 3G and 4G mainly affect connection speed and user experience, rather than being the sole explanation for data consumption.

The discussions highlighted the need for clearer communication between telecom operators and subscribers, alongside improved service quality and greater transparency over data usage. However, the report did not specify any formal resolution on compensation for affected customers or new measures adopted at the event.