Smartphones consume data even when idle – NCC
Executive Vice Chairman/CEO of the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), Dr Aminu Maida, has clarified that smartphones consume data, even when idle.
He disclosed this in his keynote address at the 93rd Telecoms Consumer Parliament (TCP) held in Abuja recently.
The NCC EVC/CEO stated that the clarification became necessary as part of the efforts to address misconceptions, rising concerns, and complaints by consumers on the issue of fast data depletion.
Maida said smartphones, even when idle, often run background applications like automatic updates and location services, which consume data.
Apart from smartphones, he said high-definition online streaming, like Netflix and others, also consume data.
“Additionally, high-definition streaming services like Netflix consume substantial data—about three gigabytes per hour in high definition or seven gigabytes in ultra-high definition,” he said.
The NCC boss said the Commission believed that an informed consumer is a better-equipped consumer, noting that this would lead to a clearer understanding of data consumption and reducing misconceptions about data depletion.
“In addition, to address tariff complexity, NCC issued a Guidance on Tariff Simplification, requiring operators to provide clear, accessible information on data plans and pricing.
“This transparency will empower consumers to make better-informed decisions about their data usage and billing,” Maida said.
He gave an assurance that operators will, in the coming months, implement the guidance to present consumers with details of their tariff plans, billing rates on each plan, and all terms and conditions related to the tariff plans they are on.
Maida stressed that at the heart of the Strategic Vision of the NCC was the commitment to meet the expectations of its stakeholders, including the consumers, the industry/licensees, and the government.
“I daresay that the government and operators thrive on satisfied consumers.
“To achieve this, our focus has evolved from simply demanding quality service to ensuring a holistic Quality of Experience throughout the telecom consumer’s lifecycle—from SIM registration to usage and even service disposal.
“Our goal is for consumers to be consistently satisfied with telecom services,” the NCC boss further assured.
He disclosed that NCC data analysis has, over the past months, shown that quality service delivery was not solely the responsibility of Mobile Network Operators (MNOs). He added that it required collaboration across the value chain.
“Key stakeholders, such as TowerCos, which provide power and shared infrastructure, as well as those providing essential backhaul services, whether by fibre, microwave or even satellite, connecting base stations to the core networks of MNOs, all play crucial roles in ensuring high-quality telecom services.
“In recognition of this, the Commission has revised its guidelines to include provisions that hold each player in the value chain accountable for quality service,” Maida added.
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