*The MTN Nigeria Communications Plc subtly apologises to its subscribers over the company’s apparent ‘mistake’ made in applying 200 percent increase in data costs, stating ‘we know how upsetting it must have been to suddenly wake up to a 200 percent increase on your favourite digital bundle’

Isola Moses | 绿帽献妻

The MTN Nigeria Communications Plc, one of the major telecoms operators in the country, has apologised to its customers over the recent 200 percent increase in data costs.

The Telco Thursday, February 12, 2025, posted a shared message cum public apology to its customers, following widespread complaints about a sudden 200 percent increase in the price of its popular 15GB data bundle.

绿帽献妻 reports the network operator, among other Telcos, had implemented the telecoms tariff hikes far beyond what the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) approved for the service providers January this year.

Telecoms consumers

In January this year, the NCC had announced it approved the proposal of the Mobile Network Operators (MNOs) for tariff adjustments by 50 percent.

However, MTN apparently misapplied the 50 percent NCC-approved increments, creating a situation in which Internet subscribers would have to pay N6,000 for a 15GB weekly data plan.

The telecoms company’s price increases suddenly indicated a 200 hike from the previous N2,000 before the regulatory intervention in the price hike regime.

Subsequently, scores of MTN customers and other digital consumers were caught unawares, and that led to a widespread outrage from customers, especially on social media platform since Wednesday, February 11.

Apology without reversal of 200 percent data price increase?

In a move to douse the increasing tension in the digital ecosystem, particularly shortly after the Nigerian House of Representatives, at a plenary Wednesday directed the Minister for Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy, Wednesday directed and the NCC to suspend the approved tariff hikes.

In the message shared on social media Thursday, MTN Nigeria, in an informal, conversational tone, also acknowledged the frustration of its customers, and sought to address the growing discontent among users, who had got accustomed to the affordable rates previously offered by the MNO.

MTN wrote: 鈥淭o our 15G digital bundle lovers. You dey vex. We know.

“We know how upsetting it must have been to suddenly wake up to a 200 percent increase on your favourite digital bundle.”

The Telco further stated: 鈥淲e could share several reasons, and provide explanations, but omo, all that one na story.

“We don cast. We get it and admit it. Let鈥檚 just say na mistake.鈥�

The company continued the apology by urging customers not to stay angry .

鈥淚n this love season, don鈥檛 stay angry with us. Please forgive and forget. You matter die and we will never stop showing you how much.

“Let鈥檚 continue our relationship. Thank you for your understanding,” MTN appealed to its subscribers.

Rising outrage over MTN鈥檚 data price hike

Earlier, amid the outrage over the Telco’s new data price hike, especially over its weekly promotional 15GB data plan from N2,000 to N6,000, the company insiders reportedly explained that the original price of the data plan was N4,500 but was incentivised to N2,000 to drive Internet consumption.

The sources said that the incentive plan was no longer sustainable due to MTN鈥檚 mounting operational costs and losses before the telecoms regulator’s approval of 50 percent tariff increments.

An insider was quoted to have said: 鈥淚t was meant to be for a period, but then we extended it. But now, it has gone to the point where we had to review across the board.”

Though it is believed MTN’s data tariff increment is part of a recently-approved 50 percent hike for telecoms services, the Telco’s subscribers have expressed their frustrations over the sudden 200 percent price hike, instead of the approved, ceiling 50 percent.

Certain @TheSilvapr tweeted: 鈥淣igeria is a very difficult place to live in, honestly.

“MTN waking up one day to increase their weekly 15 GB data from 2k to 6k without prior warning is textbook insanity.

“That鈥檚 24k in a month, almost the minimum wage of the country on data, bruh, this is hell.”

Another concerned customer, @official_GZU, wrote: 鈥淢TN increasing the cost of its 15 GB data subscription from 2k to 6k is a significant price hike, and it reflects the true economic and business realities rather than just a random decision.

“Complaining Won鈥檛 Change Anything because Telecom operators have to operate within a profit-driven system.鈥�

MTN’s full costs of other data plans

Besides the highlighted 15GB tariff plan increase, MTN Nigeria has also raised the cost of other plans.

The revised price increase now includes a 1.8GB monthly plan for N1,500, replacing the previous 1.5GB plan priced at N1,000.

Its 20GB plan has been adjusted to N7,500, up from N5,500, while the 15GB plan now costs N6,500, up from N4,500.

Its 90-day 1.5TB plan has jumped from N150,000 to N240,000, and the 600GB 90-day plan increased from N75,000 to N120,000.

Its two/three-month data plan of 100GN for N20,000 is now 90GB for N25,000; 160GB for N30,000 is now 150GB for N40,000.

Meanwhile, both Airtel and Globacom have yet to effect their adjusted prices.

Other Telcos are also expected to follow MTN鈥檚 lead after the Nigerian Communications Commission approved a 50 percent increase in the costs of calls, data, and Short Messaging Service (SMS) January this year, a move regarded as the first time in a decade.

It as well noted that the tariff hikes regime aimed to support 鈥渢he ability of operators to continue investing in infrastructure and innovation, ultimately benefiting consumers through improved services and connectivity, including better network quality, enhanced customer service, and greater coverage.鈥�

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