MTN Nigeria has implemented a sharp increase in the cost of its data subscriptions, following the recent tariff adjustment approved by the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC).ย
The new prices, which took effect this week, have triggered complaints from subscribers who argue that the hikes go beyond the 50% increase authorised by the regulator.
A review of MTNโs updated data plans shows that the 1.8GB monthly plan now costs โฆ1,500, replacing the previous 1.5GB plan which was โฆ1,000.ย
Similarly, the 15GB plan has risen from โฆ4,500 to โฆ6,500, while the 20GB plan now sells for โฆ7,500, up from โฆ5,500. The changes also extend to text messaging, with all major operators now charging โฆ6 per SMS, up from the previous โฆ4.
Even with NCCโs approval for a 50% increase, some of MTNโs revised data plans have reportedly seen hikes exceeding this limit.ย
For instance, the 15GB weekly plan, previously priced at โฆ2,000, now costs โฆ6,000, a 200% increase. Likewise, the 100GB data bundle, which used to be โฆ20,000, has been replaced by a 90GB plan for โฆ25,000, a 25% increase.ย
The 600GB bundle, once โฆ75,000, has now been adjusted to โฆ120,000 for 480GB, amounting to a 60% price jump.
The unexpected price surge has led to frustration among subscribers, with many taking to social media to voice their dissatisfaction online. One user on X (formerly Twitter), @limasyre, pointed out the discrepancy between the NCCโs approval and the actual price changes:ย
โNCC approved 50 per cent tariff hike on telecoms in Nigeria. A price increase from N2,000 to N6,000 for the same 15GB weekly data plan is a 200 per cent increase. A 50 per cent hike is supposed to be N3,000. Good luck to all the parties involved. As for me, Iโm not buying that plan again.โ
Another user, @officialdey1, warned that the network could start losing customers, saying: โMTN gonna lose customers because I donโt understand how you will raise the cost of 15GB data from N2,000 to N6,000.โ
The controversy surrounding the price review stems from NCCโs earlier announcement in January, approving a tariff adjustment for telecom operators to address rising costs of operations.ย
The Commission, in a statement signed by its director of Public Affairs, Reuben Muoka, explained that the decision was made to sustain the industry: โThe adjustment, capped at a maximum of 50 per cent of current tariffs, though lower than the over 100 per cent requested by some network operators, was arrived at taking into account ongoing industry reforms that will positively influence sustainability.โ
However, the National Association of Telecommunications Subscribers (NATCOMS) has promised to challenge the tariff increase in court, arguing that the decision was made without proper consultation with consumers.
Meanwhile, the Presidency has defended the NCCโs approval, stating that the move was necessary to ensure the telecom industry remains viable. It also clarified that operators were not required to raise their tariffs by the full 50%, leaving room for them to adjust rates based on their business considerations.
โIt is important to highlight that this approval does not mean automatic increases in tariffs. Operators are free to maintain their current rates if they find them sustainable,โ the President Bola Ahmed Tinubu Media Centre said in a statement.
Comments 1