66% of the world’s population have access to the internet. In 2020, the amount of data consumed globally reached 64.2 zettabytes. Internet penetration in Uganda stood at 26.2% in 2021 and the consumption is rapidly increasing. However, complaints have come up by consumers for their data and faster internet consumption, which has raised a lot of questions like “Why do bundles expire fast?”
Failure to understand how to use technology is one of the leading complaints by consumers for their data and faster internet consumption.
Sensitizing and educating consumers on data usage, and empowering them on their rights and obligations as consumers will help reduce these complaints and suspicions.
Why does data run fast?
One of the reasons why data runs fast is keeping the cellular data service on. Data is a perpetual service that works even when one is not on the phone. Smartphones consume data 24/7 as long as your cellular Data service is on, unlike a voice call which works only when you dial a number and initiate a call.
Keeping the recently used tabs open also consumes data that is TikTok, Whatsapp, Instagram, and email among others.
Using Apps that collect a lot of data including video chatting apps, video streaming services, and online games, among others. The rate of depletion is heavily dependent on the kind of internet activity we engage in. Some activities will definitely consume more data than others.
Downloading or uploading better-quality videos and audio also consumes a lot of data. Additionally, using faster data for consumption for the same content at same time.
Keeping auto downloads consumes data. Data users fail to exercise greater control over their downloading files which is a failure to disable automatic downloads.
Recommendations
- Consumers can use data monitoring tools including SolarWinds Database Performance Analyze, Datadog Database monitoring, and SolarWinds Appotics APM to enable them to get the usage of the data when they use app subscribers to track their data usage in real-time. This allows users to manage their data consumption effectively and avoid unexpected depletion.
- Consumer education. Educating subscribers about data-saving tips, such as using safe Wi-Fi when available, disabling background data for certain apps, and adjusting video streaming quality to conserve data.
- Furthermore, Internet Service Providers ( MTN and Airtel) can carry out digital campaigns on how to manage data usage. This will enable them to save data. Additionally, Internet Service Providers can also use SMS communication with links directing to management videos or use their youtube channels to educate consumers on data management.
- Customers should also consider reviewing fair usage policies( data caps) with the internet quality that is very good after the launch of 5G. Caps would ensure applications like Netflix, YouTube and other apps do not increase their resolution automatically which could easily increase the data depletion.
- Remove auto downloads to save data. Consumers can manage download settings and exercise control over their downloaded files, disable automatic downloads, clear downloading history, using extensions to control downloads, among others. Doing this will reduce data depletion.
- Consumers need to continuously monitor their daily, weekly, and monthly App usage.
In Conclusion, telecom operators and communications regulators, consumers must understand, monitor, and manage the Apps that take their data to avoid fast depletion.
Compiled By; Roseline Babirye – Gender and ICT Policy Advocacy Officer
