NCC Engages Youth Corpers On Smart Data Management Tips

MUDASHIRU TAWAKALITU OLUWATOYIN

As part of its ongoing strategic consumer outreach, the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) took the campaign to the Nigerian university graduates undergoing their mandatory National Youth Service Corps (NYSC). The point of call this time is around was at the Magaji Dan-Yamusa Permanent Orientation Camp of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) in Keffi, Nasarawa State and Paiko, Niger State, where the corps members were sensitised on telecom issues.

Mrs. Freda Ruth Bruce-Bennett, Director, Consumer Affairs Bureau at NCC, told the corps members she came to the Camps to engage with you, dynamic, educated, and patriotic young Nigerians as part of our continuing commitment to empower telecom consumers and protect their interests in a rapidly evolving digital environment.

“Today’s sensitisation is part of the NCC’s strategic consumer outreach, and the theme, ‘Consumer Sensitisation on Data Depletion: The Role of National Youth Service Corps Members. ‘ The theme of this sensitisation is quite germane following the increasing number of complaints received on data issues. The issue of data depletion continues to resonate and draws concerns amongst consumers given some developments in the Nigerian communication industry,” she said.

According to her, the NCC has always taken proactive steps by conducting consumer education and sensitisation campaigns such as the one we are having now, promotion of data usage transparency initiatives, enforcement of fair usage policies, and ongoing engagement with service providers to enhance the overall Quality of Experience in the industry..

“These efforts are directly tied to the broader goal of promoting effective Data management. It is important that telecom subscribers are equipped with the knowledge of how to monitor, control, and optimise the usage of their mobile data bundle allowance, be it daily, weekly, or monthly plans.

“It is noteworthy that several factors can affect the rate at which data is used up or consumed by a subscriber. Some factors that can lead to excessive data usage include:

1. Streaming Activities: Video and music streaming apps like Netflix, YouTube, and Spotify use large amounts of data.

2. Social media: High-resolution images and videos on platforms like Instagram, Facebook (Meta), and Twitter (X) can quickly use up data.

3. App Updates & Automatic Updates: Apps consume data in the background without being active, and use significant amounts of data, while automatic app updates can spike data usage.

4. Location Services: Continuous use of GPS and navigation apps can lead to increased data usage.

5. Hotspot Usage: Sharing your phone’s data connection with other devices or users can quickly use up your data allowance.

6. Roaming: Using data while travelling abroad can lead to excessive data usage due to higher roaming charges.

7. Browsing Habits: Frequent visits to data-intensive websites like those with videos or high-resolution images can use up data quickly.”

She informed the corps members to take into consideration the following smart data management tips to help control data usage on their phones

1. Monitor Data Usage: Regularly check data usage using built-in trackers or third-party apps.

2. Use Wi-Fi: Connect to Wi-Fi whenever possible to conserve cellular data.

3. Turn off Automatic Updates: Disable automatic updates for apps and software; update manually when on Wi-Fi.

4. Restrict Background Data: Limit background data usage for specific apps.

5. Download Content for Offline Use: Download media and content while on Wi-Fi for offline use.

6. Data Caching: Store frequently accessed data locally (offline) to reduce the need for repeated downloads.

7. Disable Location Services: Turn off GPS and location services for specific apps or altogether.

8. Data-saving Modes: Go to settings and turn on the data-saving mode on your phone to reduce consumption.

9. Data Rollover: Transfer unused data to the next billing cycle or month

“By following these tips, you can reduce data consumption significantly. Find out more about smart data management at consumer.ncc.gov.ng,” she said.

While highlighting the role the corps members would take as educated, mobile, and socially connected Nigerians, she said the youth corps members are key agents of change.

“We urge you to become Consumer Champions by:

· Spreading awareness of consumer rights and protections to friends, family, and local communities.

· Educating others about the NCC’s initiatives and how to enjoy a better quality of experience.

· Engaging with us — report challenges, share feedback, and help us serve you better.”

Aside from the sensitisation, the Commission also engaged the excited corps members in quiz competitions on the two camps, with winners of the quiz questions carting away gift items such as Power banks, airtime and data subscriptions.

Also, to the two camps, the Commission donated three bags of rice (50kg) and three 25-litre containers of vegetable Cooking oil, each in Nasarawa and Niger states.

The NYSC State Coordinator in Nassarawa, Hajiya Salamatu Mohammed and the NYSC State Coordinator in Niger State, Mrs. Martina Shuaibu-Ibrahim, received the support items from the officials of the Commission