Eight Reasons Your Smartphone Consumes Excess Data
By Justice Okamgba
Nigeria’s mobile phone users are increasingly alarmed by the rapid depletion of their data, leading to frustration and suspicion. What is causing this data drain? JUSTICE OKAMGBA investigates.
Consumers are reporting unexpected data consumption on their smartphones, leading to swift depletion of their data bundles. This issue spans across various networks and applications.
One particularly concerning case involves the Signal app, where users have reported unexplained spikes in data usage.
An internet user, Frank Ekpoma (a pseudonym), recently shared his experience of a social app consuming 2.5GB of data overnight, prompting an alert from his mobile provider about reaching his data limit.
“I noticed unusually high data usage on the Signal app last night, and my provider warned me that my data allowance was nearly exhausted (I usually stay well within my limit),” Ekpoma explained on Reddit, an online discussion platform. “Signal used 2.5GB of mobile data without any apparent reason. Another Reddit user reported the same issue, but there’s no information in support forums or on GitHub.”
The data warning arrived at 08:06, indicating the surge occurred before dawn. “I didn’t receive any messages during the night, so I’m puzzled about what caused this,” he added, perplexed by the mysterious data consumption.
This story is not unique. Users across different networks and apps have reported sudden data usage spikes, depleting their data bundles unexpectedly. The lack of clear patterns or explanations has left many users frustrated and anxious about future occurrences.
As users grapple with these unexplained data surges, there is a growing demand for app developers and service providers to investigate and address these issues. Users are calling for better monitoring tools, clearer communication, and effective solutions to prevent such disruptions.
The Consumer Affairs Bureau of the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) has identified eight factors causing data depletion for mobile subscribers in Nigeria:
1. Background Data Usage: Some apps consume data even when not actively in use, quickly depleting data allowances.
2. Advertisements: Apps displaying ads consume data even without user interaction.
3. Roaming: Traveling abroad and using your phone can result in data roaming charges that quickly deplete data allowances.
4. Automatic Updates: Updates for apps, operating systems, and other software can use significant amounts of data.
5. Location Services: GPS and other location services, especially in navigation apps like Google Maps, consume large amounts of data.
6. Malware: Malware and viruses can use data without your knowledge. It’s essential to remove any detected malware promptly.
7. Excessive Usage: Streaming videos or music, downloading large files, or using data-intensive apps for extended periods can quickly deplete data limits.
8. Service Provider Issues: The NCC recently directed Mobile Network Operators (MNOs) to conduct independent audits of their billing systems, suggesting that service providers might also contribute to data depletion complaints.
The FIRST CLASS GISTS reported that the NCC is concluding a consultation process to simplify tariff plans, aiming to enhance transparency for consumers. “Consumers should be empowered to make the right network selection, enjoy seamless onboarding, receive quality service at fair costs, and access responsive customer service,” the NCC stated. “To address data depletion complaints, the commission has directed MNOs to audit their billing systems and is simplifying tariff plans.”
Recommendations:
To reduce data depletion, the NCC offers several recommendations for subscribers:
– Regularly monitor data usage.
– Disable background data for specific apps.
– Turn off automatic updates.
– Disable location services for certain apps.
– Install ad blockers to combat unsolicited advertisements.
– Connect to Wi-Fi whenever possible, such as at home, work, or public places like cafes or libraries.
By following these recommendations, users can better manage their data consumption and avoid unexpected depletion.
