Internet data crisis hits Nigeria as consumers lament rapid depletion 

• NCC identifies viruses, apps, GPS as hidden Malefactors behind worrisome consumption

Joy Agwunobi

In a world where data is almost as indispensable as food, the proliferation of fintech banks like Opay, Palmpay, Moniepoint, amongst others, have pushed Nigerians deeper into the digital age. As the digital revolution sweeps across the nation, ushering in the new normal of online transactions, data has become the new currency for accessing services and information. However, instead of reaping the benefits of this technological transformation, Nigerian internet data users are reeling from the sting of ever-increasing data costs amidst  frustrating service.

Data depletion, a phenomenon where users consume their entire data bundle before its expiration date, has become a widespread concern. This issue is further worsened by the additional data volume consumed while accessing online content, leading to rapid exhaustion of data bundles.

The grievances surrounding data exhaustion have flooded various social media platforms and offline channels, with numerous users sharing their frustrating experiences. An analysis by Business a.m. revealed that a data bundle priced at N3,000, which typically lasts between one to two weeks for an average internet user, is shockingly depleted in less than a week.

Chukwuma Ruth, an MTN user, shared her experience: “Previously, I subscribed to a monthly data plan of N3,500, which I use for browsing and social media usage,and it usually lasts me the entire month. However, lately, I had to upgrade to a 50GB plan at N6,500 monthly, yet unfortunately, it no longer lasts the full month. Instead, it gets exhausted within three weeks, leaving me wondering why my data usage has increased even though the package I am currently on is higher.”

Babatunde Michael, an internet user, found himself reeling from shock and disbelief as his 50GB data bundle got exhausted faster than he could have imagined. He revealed that he usually purchases this bundle for work, social media, and streaming activities, expecting it to last him an entire month if used mindfully. However, this trust was shaken when he discovered his data depleting at a rapid rate, exhausting 25GB in just five days.

Glory Nduka, an Airtel customer, said she spends a substantial amount on her monthly data subscription. Despite her frustration with her service provider’s data consumption rates, she feels compelled to continue coping with the situation since her daily life and career rely heavily on internet access.

“I spend a lot on my monthly subscription,  my service provider is not even helping matters with the way they suck data, but I just have to cope with it because my life presently revolves around the internet,” she said.

Glory went on to express that she needs data to perform her job and personal stuff, and she spends at least 75GB monthly, if not more, to enhance her skills and advance in her profession through online courses. She acknowledges that her extensive video watching for her current course contributes to her high data usage,but her main concern is that her 75GB bundle only lasts for a few weeks, which she finds inconvenient.

“I don’t really blame the network provider because I know I watch a lot of videos because of the course I am currently on. My only annoyance is that 75G only lasts for a few weeks,”she lamented.

The mysterious and rapid depletion of their megabytes has left subscribers baffled, wondering how their bundles disappear so quickly. Many assume that telecom operators in the country  have reduced the value of data packages due to escalating operational expenses amidst the country’s economic challenges. This has led to finger-pointing at telecom companies, assuming they are the primary culprits.

However, the truth lies elsewhere, as the consumer affairs bureau of the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) revealed that malwares, background apps, and GPS are the hidden villains behind data depletion. These digital infiltrators, it stated, operate in the shadows, consuming data without users’ knowledge or consent.

The NCC explains that malware is a type of sneaky software that infiltrates devices, steals sensitive information, and transmits it to its creators. These programmes are designed to gain unauthorised access to computers or networks, allowing hackers to steal personal or corporate information and disrupt operations. By disguising themselves as harmless files or links, malware tricks users into downloading them, giving hackers access to entire networks.

According to Statista, malware attacks are designed to take control of or disrupt computer infrastructure, with the main motivations being to steal sensitive information and cause operational disruptions.

A report by Kaspersky, a global cybersecurity firm,recently disclosed that an ongoing mobile Advanced Persistent Threat (APT) campaign has been targeting iOS devices with unknown malware. The report revealed that the APT distributes zero-click exploits via iMessage, enabling the malware to gain complete control over the device and user data, with the ultimate goal of spying on users.

The Kaspersky experts discovered the new mobile APT campaign while monitoring their corporate Wi-Fi network’s traffic using the Kaspersky Unified Monitoring and Analysis Platform (KUMA). Further analysis revealed that the threat actor had targeted dozens of company employees’ iOS devices.

Researchers at Kaspersky explained the attack’s mechanics, stating that victims receive an iMessage with a zero-click exploit attachment, which triggers a vulnerability, allowing code execution and full device control without any further interaction. Once the attacker establishes a presence on the device, the message automatically deletes itself.

The report noted that the spyware silently transmits private information, including microphone recordings, instant messenger photos, geolocation data, and other sensitive information about the infected device’s owner, to remote servers.

To combat the growing threat of malware attacks, the NCC advised mobile subscribers to take prompt action if they suspect their devices have been infected with malware.

The commission stated, “If you suspect that your phone has been infected, it’s important to remove the malware as soon as possible to prevent further damage.”

NCC also identified background apps as another factor causing data depletion for many users. The commission explained that if background data usage is allowed, apps will continually update themselves with the latest information and content, running silently and syncing data without the user’s knowledge.

The commission also explained that apps consume data not only when actively in use, but also when the device is idle or the app itself appears closed. The devious purpose of this stealthy data drain, according to the commission, is to keep content fresh and up-to-date so that when you open the app, the latest information loads without delay, a process that siphons away precious bytes of one’s data allowance without your knowledge

According to the NCC, additional factors that contribute to data depletion include  location services like GPS which use data to  transmit location information to apps and services, especially when using navigation apps like Google Maps. The telecom regulator noted that this constant communication adds up slowly but depletes data bundles.

The commission also pointed out that users’ excessive data usage can rapidly deplete their data limits. According to the commission, engaging in activities such as streaming videos or music, downloading large files, or using data-intensive apps for extended periods can quickly consume data. The commission further explained that the duration and resolution of video content, for instance, directly impact the amount of data used, with longer videos and higher resolutions resulting in higher data usage.

Additionally, roaming is another factor that can cause data depletion. The regulator noted that data roaming can quickly deplete data allowance if left on while travelling abroad. The commission explained that data roaming occurs when the user’s phone consumes cellular data services outside the network’s coverage area, noting that while this feature  can be useful for staying connected, it  can also lead to higher charges.

The NCC emphasised that subscribers must take proactive steps to manage their data usage to mitigate the issue of data depletion. To achieve this, the commission recommends that subscribers should Install antivirus software to protect their devices from malware; regularly review and close unnecessary background apps; disable GPS usage for specific apps that do not require location services; switch off automatic updates to avoid unnecessary data usage; monitor data usage regularly; and install ad-blockers to prevent unwanted advertisements from consuming data.

Additionally, the commission suggested that mobile subscribers connect to Wi-Fi networks whenever possible to reduce their reliance on cellular data.

“Subscribers can connect to Wi-Fi at home, work, or in public places like cafes or libraries,” the commission advised.

To further empower citizens, the commission has initiated an educational campaign, by sending regular SMS notifications with valuable data-saving tips to mobile phone users. By taking these measures, subscribers can effectively manage their data usage and avoid unexpected depletion.