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| Photo shows l-r: Head, Customer Operations, North, MTN, Chikaodi Ofoegbe; Chief Executive Officer, 9Mobile, Obafemi Banigbe; Chairman, Association of Licensed Telecom Operators of Nigeria, Gbenga Adebayo; Executive Vice Chairman/Chief Executive Officer, Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), Dr. Aminu Maida; Executive Commissioner, Stakeholder Management, NCC, Rimini Makama; Director, Consumer Affairs Bureau, Dr. Ikechukwu Adinde and Chief Executive Officer, Airtel Nigeria, Carl Cruz during the 93rd edition of the Telecom Consumer Parliament hosted by the Commission in Abuja on Thursday, November 7, 2024. |
The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) has emphasized the importance of data transparency and consumer empowerment in Nigeria's telecommunications sector.
During the 93rd Telecoms Consumer Parliament, held at the Communications and Digital Economy Complex Auditorium, Abuja on November 7, 2024, Dr. Aminu Maida, Executive Vice Chairman of the NCC, highlighted the significant evolution from basic voice services to high-speed data connectivity over the past two decades.
Addressing consumer concerns about data depletion, Maida noted that technological advancements contribute to perceptions of rapid data loss.
He stressed the need for billing transparency, stating that informed consumers can make better decisions regarding their data usage and costs.
The NCC is committed to enhancing consumer awareness and simplifying tariff structures to foster a more consumer-centric telecom environment, he added
Speaking on the theme; “Optimizing Data Experience: Empowering Consumers through Awareness and Transparency in a Consumer-Centric Telecom Industry,” Dr Maida emphasized the significant impact of 3G, 4G, and now 5G networks on the adoption of digital services such as social media, e-commerce, and online banking.
“Our analysis revealed that data depletion and billing issues are top concerns for consumers. In response, we directed Mobile Network Operators and ISPs to conduct audits of their billing systems, which reported no major issues,” Maida said.
He added: “However, perceptions persist due to the impact of high-resolution devices and the complexity of operator tariffs,” stressing that with the advent of 4G and 5G networks, as well as devices with ultra-high-definition screens, data consumption has naturally increased.
For instance, viewing a photo on Instagram that might have required only 100 kilobytes of data five years ago can now consume between two to four megabytes due to advanced camera resolutions, he explained.
Furthermore, Streaming platforms like YouTube can consume about 3.5 to 5.4 gigabytes per hour, further contributing to data depletion concerns, he said
To tackle these challenges, therefore, Maida explained that the NCC launched a Joint Industry Campaign on Consumer Awareness on Smarter Data Usage, aimed at educating consumers on effective data management.
According to him, the campaign spans various media platforms, including radio, television, newspapers, and SMS, offering practical tips for managing data usage.
In addition to these initiatives, he said, the NCC is finalizing Major Incident Reporting Guidelines, which will require operators to inform consumers of major incidents impacting their networks.
The Commission, he also said, is working on coverage maps detailing operators’ network strength across the country in order to allow consumers to make more informed choices.
“Our goal is to create a truly consumer-centric telecom industry, where consumers feel valued, informed, empowered, and satisfied with the services they receive,” Maida reaffirmed.
The 93rd Telecoms Consumer Parliament served as a platform for candid discussions, where stakeholders explored strategies to enhance the data experience for telecom consumers nationwide.
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