Safaricom has explained why data bundles are depleted before midnight despite being valid.
This follows a Safaricom customer raising concerns on social media about what they describe as an unexplained early depletion of their data bundles.
The user alleged that their monthly bundle, which was still showing as active and valid until midnight, was exhausted hours earlier than expected.
“Safaricom, it’s me again. Since you’ve decided not to answer my very basic question, I’ll keep tweeting till you do!! Here is the question I asked you yesterday (see attached images below). Your representative confirmed under your official account that you’re actually supposed to wait till midnight. So once again, where did my bundles go 3 hours to depletion even though I had lots of my monthly data bundles left?” said a user.
Customer Raises Concern Over Early Data Depletion
According to the user’s statement, the issue began when mobile data stopped working three hours before the expected midnight expiry of the bundle.
Also Read: Safaricom Clarifies Whether Customers Can Request a Reduction in Their Fuliza Limit
The user questioned why their data was exhausted while their account still indicated active monthly bundles.
The customer expressed frustration over the lack of a clear breakdown of how the data was consumed in real time, suggesting that the remaining balance did not appear to reflect actual usage accurately.
Earlier, the user had questioned the telco giant why they sent a data depletion message three hours earlier than the depletion time, and Safaricom stated that bundles expire at midnight.
Safaricom Responds to Data Bundles Depletion Query
In its response, Safaricom stated that bundle depletion alerts are triggered when the active data package is fully used up, not when the validity period ends.
According to Safaricom, if a bundle is valid until midnight, it can be consumed earlier depending on usage patterns.
“Hi Lynn Ngugi1 we understand your concern. The notification is triggered when your active bundle fully depleted, regardless of the expiry time. Kindly share your number and full name via DM http://bit.ly/2lNteGi so we can check and advise,” Said Safaricom.
Why Safaricom Bundles Run Outer Faster
According to Safaricom, many smartphones consume data even when users are not actively browsing. Background processes, automatic app updates, and content synchronization all contribute to mobile data consumption, even when the user is not using their phone.
This happens through background data, which allows apps to refresh, sync, update, and upload content automatically while the phone screen is off.
Apps such as social media platforms, cloud storage services, photo backup tools, and messaging apps are among the biggest contributors to hidden data consumption.
Also Read: Kenyans Pour Out Frustrations as Safaricom Hints at Increasing Fuliza Limit
Safaricom Tips on Reducing mobile Data Usage
To help customers make their data last longer, Safaricom provides the following tips for both Android and iPhone users:
Restrict background data
One of the most effective measures is restricting background data for apps that do not need constant internet access.
- Android: Settings → Data Usage → Select App → Restrict Background Data
- iOS: Settings → General → Background App Refresh → Off, or choose specific apps
Update apps over Wi-Fi only
Automatic updates via mobile data can consume large volumes without users realizing it.
- Android: Google Play Store → Settings → Auto-update apps → Over Wi-Fi Only
- iOS: Settings → iTunes & App Store → Use Cellular Data → Off
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