MTN blames background apps for Nigerians’ fast data drain

The warning follows growing complaints from smartphone users who say their data subscriptions run out faster than expected, with some accusing telecommunications operators of deliberately depleting their purchased data.

However, a customer sensitisation campaign organised by MTN Nigeria in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, has highlighted how smartphone activities running behind the scenes could contribute to unexpected data consumption.

He explained that while users often associate data consumption with familiar platforms such as WhatsApp and YouTube, several other applications also operate in the background, receiving notifications, downloading content and installing software updates.

“Some downloads happen automatically on your device and exhaust your data. They are in the background, so you are not using them frequently. You receive notifications, and some smartphones automatically receive updates.

“Some of these updates are quite large in terms of data consumption. But most people are used to WhatsApp and YouTube, and they believe that is where their data usage ends. There is not enough sensitisation about the data consequences of background applications,” he said.

According to him, MTN representatives would assist customers who give their permission by examining their smartphones, identifying applications consuming data in the background and showing them how to manage unnecessary activities.

“We are coming to give people exposure and also attend to them. If they allow us, we can assess their phones to check those applications they are not using but which consume their data in the background.

“We then help them manage those applications so that their data subscriptions can last throughout the month. The essence is to correct the narrative and help people get more value from their data purchases,” he stated.

He added that the programme was part of MTN’s continuous market education initiative targeting traders, commuters and other members of the public.

He stressed the importance of educating customers about how their smartphone activities affect internet consumption.

“We hear people say MTN is eating their data or that MTN is stealing their data, but that is not really what is happening. Most people do not understand where their data is going, and that is why we are out here to educate them,” he said.

Aswata explained that watching videos on Facebook, streaming online content and browsing social media platforms could consume significant amounts of data.

He also urged smartphone users to close applications completely after use to minimise unnecessary background activities.

“Anytime you open Facebook or any other application on your phone, when you finish using it, close it completely. Do not just leave it running in the background.

“Some applications continue to operate even when you think you have finished using them. They can continue consuming your data without you knowing,” he said.

The campaign also highlighted the importance of regularly checking smartphone data usage settings to identify applications consuming the largest portions of internet subscriptions.

Users can also restrict unnecessary background data, review automatic software updates and monitor applications that download content without their knowledge.

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