This was a first-of-its-kind public engagement platform designed to address consumer concerns about mobile data usage, billing transparency, and digital consumption.

The event brought together consumers, media professionals, content creators, technology experts, and independent auditors for an open examination of how data is measured, consumed, and billed across MTN’s network.

Opening the session, Dr Karl Olutokun Toriola, the chief executive officer of MTN Nigeria, underscored the growing importance of data in today’s digital economy and the importance of trust and greater understanding of how modern technologies drive data consumption.

“Data on Trial was created based on a simple belief. Trust, with our customer, grows when they are given access to the information and they are allowed to make up their mind about it. Today’s event is an opportunity for everyone to understand the facts, understand the technology behind what delivers technology in real time. And to ask the most difficult questions and hear different perspectives. This is important because the economy is more digitally driven.

“Data is very important today, and as technology evolves, the quantity of data consumed also evolves,” he continued. “The applications we use, the quality of content we consume, and the increasing number of connected devices all contribute to higher data usage. It is therefore important that consumers understand what drives their data consumption and how it is measured.”

Throughout the event, MTN’s technical experts responded to questions frequently raised by consumers, including concerns around data depletion, billing accuracy, background application activity, automatic updates, cloud synchronisation, video streaming, and multi-device connectivity.

To provide independent assurance on the integrity of its billing systems, KPMG conducted an independent verification of its Data Usage Portal. The review assessed whether customer billing accurately reflected actual data consumption and covered records from April 1, 2026, to date.

Presenting the findings, Collins Onah, representing KPMG, disclosed that the firm’s analysis found a complete alignment between data usage records and customer billing information.

“Our analysis captures perfect alignment with what is on the Data Usage Portal and what is charged to customers,” Onah stated.

He explained that KPMG’s review examined the processes used to capture customer data consumption and reconcile those records with the corresponding charges applied to subscriber accounts.

“In conclusion, the Data Usage Portal accurately reflects customer data consumption, and the associated billing is consistent with the usage records captured on the platform,” he said.

The findings formed a key part of the day’s proceedings, providing participants with an independently verified assessment of MTN’s data billing processes and reinforcing the company’s commitment to transparency.

The event also featured contributions from consumer advocates, creators, media professionals, and technology stakeholders, who engaged directly with MTN’s experts on issues affecting data consumption and digital experiences.

By opening its systems, processes, and explanations to public scrutiny, MTN Nigeria said it hopes to deepen consumer understanding, strengthen trust, and promote greater digital literacy as data continues to play a central role in everyday life.

The telecom operator explained that several factors contribute to faster data usage, including hotspot sharing, video streaming, automatic app updates, cloud backups, and the growing adoption of high-speed internet services.

According to the company, many users unknowingly consume significant amounts of data through background activities on smartphones, tablets, laptops, smart TVs, and other connected devices.

Features such as auto-play on social media platforms, automatic software updates, and cloud synchronization can continue running even when users are not actively using their devices.

MTN also noted that hotspot sharing remains one of the leading causes of unexpected data consumption. When subscribers connect multiple devices to a single data plan, activities such as video streaming, online gaming, software downloads, and system updates on those devices can quickly exhaust available data.

The operator further explained that faster internet technologies, including 4G and 5G networks, naturally encourage higher data consumption as users access more high-definition content and bandwidth-intensive applications.

Similar observations have previously been highlighted by industry stakeholders and regulators, who note that video streaming, automatic updates, and background applications are among the major contributors to increased data usage.

Speaking today at subscriber townhall meeting codenamed ‘Data on Trial’, Michael Ndukwe, a senior manager for core network implementation at MTN Nigeria, said many subscribers misunderstand how data is consumed, particularly with the increasing adoption of high-speed technologies such as 4G and 5G networks.

“We usually hear the concern that MTN is stealing my data. I’m here to take you step by step through exactly how your data is used,” he said.

According to him, using a TikTok video as an example, he said data is not consumed when a mobile device merely connects to the network or undergoes authentication checks.

The expert said significant data usage only begins when a user requests online content, such as a video, which is then delivered through the network in “packets and reassembled on the device”.

He said the network first confirms that the subscriber is registered, has an active data bundle, and is authorised to access internet services before establishing a session.

“Data is not taken from you without your action. When you stream, scroll, download or share, you are using data. It’s as simple as that,” Ndukwe said.

Ndukwe said subscribers often conclude that operators are deducting data unfairly because consumption rates on modern networks differ significantly from what users experienced on older technologies such as 2G and 3G.

He explained that faster networks are designed to support richer content and provide a better experience, resulting in greater data usage.

Also speaking at the ‘Data On Trial’ session, David Ogunshola of MTN’s information technology team, said differences between data usage records displayed on customers’ devices and those recorded by the network are normal.

He said devices typically track only user activities and application-level consumption, while the network records the entire data session, including signalling and other processes required to establish and maintain connectivity.

Ogunshola said discrepancies may also arise from different measurement standards used by device manufacturers and network systems.

According to the IT expert, these differences are usually marginal but become more noticeable as data volumes increase.

He noted that the evolution from basic mobile phones to smartphones, smart televisions, gaming consoles and wearable devices has significantly increased data consumption because modern devices are optimised to deliver higher-quality experiences.

“The more sophisticated the device, the more it is optimised for quality. If you do not adjust those configurations, the device will always try to give you the best possible experience, and that comes with higher data usage,” Ogunshola said.

Ndukwe said MTN provides tools to help customers monitor and manage consumption, including the MyMTN app, data usage alerts, and data management features that allow subscribers to set limits and restrict background activities.

“Our promise is that we continue to invest heavily in network quality to give you the best experience and ensure that every megabyte you purchase delivers the experience that you expect,” he said.

He assured customers that the company would continue investing in network infrastructure to improve service quality and ensure transparency in data billing.

Meanwhile, Blessing Banro from TECNO Mobile representing the device makers spoke on understanding smart devices and how to they help you manage your data

The clarification comes amid increasing consumer complaints regarding data consumption patterns, particularly following recent adjustments in telecommunications tariffs.

While some subscribers continue to question the accuracy of data deductions, Timi Agbaje spoke against the defence of device makers and MNOs, asking pertinent questions on behalf of the people, operators maintain that changing digital habits and increased connectivity are the primary drivers of higher data usage.

To help subscribers better manage their data, MTN advised customers to:

• Monitor data usage regularly through available tracking tools.
• Disable automatic updates when using mobile data.
• Turn off auto-play features on social media and video platforms.
• Restrict background data usage for non-essential applications.
• Review devices connected through hotspot sharing.
• Use data-saving modes where available.

Industry analysts at the Data on Trial session by MTN Nigeria are of the view that the growing popularity of video content, cloud services, remote work applications, and connected devices is reshaping internet consumption patterns across Nigeria, resulting in higher average data usage per subscriber than in previous years.