NCC: 7 reasons why your data depletes speedily and how to stop it
Image Source: TechEconomy
Amid rising complaints from mobile subscribers in Nigeria about the swift depletion of their data bundles, the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) has provided an explanation.
The NCC has identified seven key factors contributing to this issue and offered advice on how subscribers can maximize their data usage.
According to the NCC, the following factors and apps are major contributors to the rapid depletion of mobile data:
1. Background Data Usage: Many apps run in the background, consuming data even when not actively used. Examples include social media apps like Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter; messaging apps such as WhatsApp and Telegram; and email apps like Gmail and Outlook.
2. Automatic Updates: Apps, operating systems, and other software often update automatically, using significant amounts of data. Examples include updates from Google Play Store, Apple App Store, and system updates for Android and iOS.
3. GPS and Location Services: Apps requiring continuous GPS tracking, such as Google Maps, Waze, and fitness apps like Strava, consume a lot of data.
4. Advertisements: Some apps display ads that use data even if not interacted with, such as free-to-play games, ad-supported apps, and certain news apps.
5. Roaming: Using a phone abroad can result in data roaming charges, quickly depleting the data allowance.
6. Malware and Viruses: Malware and viruses can consume data without the user’s knowledge, making it important to have a reliable antivirus app installed.
7. Excessive Usage: Streaming videos or music, downloading large files, and using data-intensive apps like YouTube, Netflix, Spotify, and large online games for extended periods can quickly deplete data limits.
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How to avoid data depletion
To mitigate data depletion, the NCC has advised subscribers to take the following steps:
– Monitor data usage regularly.
– Turn off background data usage for specific apps.
– Disable automatic updates.
– Install ad-blockers to reduce data consumption by advertisements.
– Remove malware promptly if a phone is suspected to be infected.
– Be cautious of data roaming charges when traveling abroad. NCC emphasized, “When traveling abroad and using your phone, you may incur data roaming charges that can quickly accumulate and deplete your data allowance.”
