Telecom subscribers are sending emails and direct messages to the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) and the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC), demanding an investigation into what they describe as unexplained data consumption.
Newsonspot gathered that operators insist that there is no mechanism for reducing customers’ data, arguing instead that rising consumption is due to user behaviour, particularly the shift from 3G and 4G to 5G and increased video streaming habits.
The controversy comes as the Nigerian Senate, last Wednesday, urged the Federal Ministry of Communications, Innovation, and Digital Economy to engage operators on reviewing data and internet-related service costs.
While data consumption concerns have remained a pressing concern in recent times, the situation became more pronounced since the implementation of a 50 per cent tariff hike on data and call prices in February.
Over the weekend, some of these operators’ customer service teams engaged with frustrated customers on social media, offering data management tips.
However, many subscribers who shared screenshots of emails sent to regulators on social media and obtained by this reporter remained unconvinced, arguing that the problem lies in the operators’ billing systems rather than their usage habits.
“Data prices are too high these days. Every Nigerian should report the operators to NCC, FCCPC, and send them thousands of emails; otherwise, this price hike won’t stop,” one of the customers said.
“Not only has data become more expensive, but it also seems to deplete faster than before. This is unacceptable,” another user complained.
Nigeria’s internet consumption crossed the one million terabyte mark for the first time in January 2025, highlighting the surging demand for internet services and Nigeria’s increasing dependence on digital connectivity.
The regulator’s spokesman did not respond to messages.
The rising demand for data services is now the primary driver of telecom revenue, positioning telecom companies to benefit significantly from this growth.
Nigerians rank fifth globally in daily social media usage, spending an average of three hours and 23 minutes per day on platforms like Instagram, Facebook, and others.
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