Frustration boiled over on X (formerly Twitter) as Nigerian MTN subscribers unleashed a torrent of complaints, alleging rapid and unexplained data depletion. Users accused the telecommunications giant of providing significantly less data than purchased, sparking a wave of digital outrage.
According to Technext, the crux of the matter centered on a perceived discrepancy between actual data usage and the rapid exhaustion of bundles. @TheSerahIbrahim, a vocal critic, highlighted her experience since December, claiming her monthly data, previously rolling over, was now vanishing within six days. “MTN is saying I’m out of data in 6 days, exhausting my monthly data that normally rolls over, but now exhausts in 6 days doing absolutely nothing but X. Here’s the crazy part, my phone is reading that I only used one app more which is X, and it’s 8gb used by X in 6 days, and a 57% total data used on my phone in 6 days, so the rest of the 43% data just disappeared,” she tweeted, encapsulating the sentiment of many.
This uproar occurred against the backdrop of a recent 50% tariff hike mandated by the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), which saw MTN and other operators adjust their pricing. This increase, implemented during a period of economic hardship marked by rising inflation and a devalued Naira, had already strained consumers. The NCC’s mandate for improved service quality alongside the price hike seemed to be falling short, fueling further discontent.
“1tb turns to 400gb and 40gb turns to 25Gb with the rest of your data not being accounted for, and we are paying more for data prices,” lamented one user, echoing the widespread feeling of being exploited. Another prominent voice, @iamDo2dtun, directly called out MTN, stating, “MTN needs to stop what they are doing. This data and credit zapping is becoming extremely ridiculous .. kilode! Una wan kill us with billing for this country.”
In response to the social media firestorm, MTN Nigeria offered a series of replies, attempting to address the concerns. “Yello! Apologies for the data depletion complaint and for not replying sooner. Please be informed that MTN network data is offered as is, customers are charged on their data bundle based on the internet activities on their lines,” one response stated, seemingly placing the onus on user activity.
Further responses acknowledged data depletion but attributed it to device type, network mode, and internet usage volume. MTN also reiterated the recent tariff adjustments, directing users to their website for more information. “There has been a price adjustment to enable us to service you better. Some voice call rate and data bundle prices have been adjusted and information is available on all our channels,” they confirmed.
However, these explanations appeared to do little to quell the anger of Nigerian consumers, who continued to express their distrust and demand accountability on X. The platform became a battleground, highlighting the power of social media in amplifying consumer grievances and holding corporations accountable in the digital age.