MTN Nigeria has increased the call rate for its Pulse bundle from ₦7.8 per minute to ₦13.8 per minute, a 76.92% climb.
This adjustment follows the Nigerian Communications Commission’s (NCC) approval of a 50% tariff increase across the telecom sector.
In addition to the higher call rates implemented by MTN Nigeria, the telecom operator has raised its SMS charges from ₦4 to ₦6. Data bundle prices are also set for an upward review, with some packages already seeing changes.
The latest adjustments have received reactions among subscribers, particularly regarding MTN’s recent hike in data bundle prices.
The telco had increased the cost of its 15GB weekly data plan by 200%, leading to across-the-board complaints. In response, MTN issued a public apology, acknowledging the backlash.
“You dey vex, we know,” MTN wrote in a post on its official X handle. “We know how upsetting it must have been to suddenly wake up to a 200% increase on your favourite digital bundle. We could share several reasons and provide explanations, but omo, all that one na story. We don cast. We get it and admit it. Let’s just say na mistake.”
Following public outcry, MTN reversed the 200% increase on the 15GB bundle, bringing the price back in line with NCC-approved rates.
The NCC’s decision to approve a sector-wide 50% tariff increase came after telecom operators argued that inflation, fuel subsidy removal, and naira devaluation had made existing rates unsustainable.
This is the first major price adjustment in over a decade and telecom companies are gradually adjusting their pricing structures. However, subscribers are bothered about the high cost of communication services in Nigeria.
