Executive Vice Chairman/CEO, NCC, Dr Aminu Maida.

The Nigerian Communications Commission NCC has blamed the ongoing rapid depletion of subscribers’ data on automatic updates, location services and other related background apps.

Speaking recently on this rather unfortunate development, Executive Vice Chairman/CEO of the NCC, Dr. Aminu Maida, who absolved the telecommunications service providers (Telcos) in the depletion of customers’ data, also listed advertisements, roaming, malware, and excessive usage as part of the main causes of rapid data depletion.

Dr. Maida however disclosed that the Commission is concluding a consultation process to simplify tariff plans that would provide enhanced transparency to the consumer.

As part of measures to forestall data depletion, the Commission provided practical solutions that could enable the customers preserve their data, which include but not limited to data usage monitoring, disabling background data and automatic updates and using ad-blockers.

The NCC also recommended connecting to Wi-Fi networks when possible and upgrading to larger data plans for heavy users.

Meanwhile, the Commission has directed Mobile Network Operators to audit their billing systems. It was further gathered that the NCC has commenced a process that would enthrone a regime of improved transparency by simplifying tariff plans for the customers.