MTN Nigeria has increased the price of its data subscriptions as telecommunications operators in Nigeria have begun the implementation of the 50% price increment recently approved by the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC).
The revised MTN data prices seen by Nairametrics show that MTN’s 1.5GB monthly plan now goes for N1,500.
This replaces the previous 1.5GB plan priced at N1,000.
The 20GB plan has been adjusted to N7,500, up from N5,500, while the 15GB plan now costs N6,500, a rise from N4,500.
However, Nigerians have expressed outrage over the tariff increase by telecommunications giants MTN and Airtel, which has seen the cost of data and call services rise significantly. The development, which took effect earlier this month late last month as NCC through the federal government announced a 50 percent in tariffs, which has sparked widespread complaints, with many tagging the increment to the country’s worsening economic situation.
MTN’s increment is part of a recently approved 50 percent hike in the price of telecom services, and being the only one to have implemented this adjustment, its subscribers have taken to social media and on the streets to express their frustrations. “Nigeria 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 unfair. That’s 24k in a month, almost the minimum wage of the country on data, Olatunde Ayoola reacted.
According to Olabisi Abdulazeez, he said, as we all know that even if we complain, nothing will happen. “MTN increasing the cost of its 15 GB data subscription from 2k to 6k is unfair, because with this state of the current economy, over 200 percent is too much at least we are not saying they should not increase it, but this surge is too much, and our complaints won’t change anything, he expressed his frustration.
Similarly, Mary Uche, a businesswoman, decried the effect of the increase on her business.
Her words, “most of my sales happen on WhatsApp and Instagram, but now, I can’t afford to stay online for long,” she said. “Customers are also complaining that they don’t have enough data, and that is affecting my sales.”
The tariff hike will deal a heavy blow to small and medium-scale businesses (SMEs), many of which depend on the internet for marketing and transactions. Business owners say the increase will definitely reduce online engagements, which will lead to lower patronage.
I run an online clothing store, and I need to be on social media to communicate with customers,” said John Ogundipe, an entrepreneur. “But since the hike, fewer people will be staying online, and I will have to spend more on data to keep my business running.”
The increase has also hit students and young professionals the hardest, many of whom rely heavily on affordable internet access.
For Collins Christian, a content creator while narrating the possible effect of the price surge, he said doing what someone know to do best won’t be easy anymore.
“It is frustrating because I can’t afford to buy data as frequently as before, as someone who earns from social media, this is a huge problem.”
A student of Federal University, Akure (FUTA), Adenike Oladoye, while expressing her frustration, she said this should not be the next move by the service providers because the economy is hard already most especially on students who can not do without being active online to either stay up for class updates or to do assignments and many more.
Adenike however, pleaded with the government to wade in into the matter to reduce the price at least.
“We as students will be engaging online either taking classes, staying updated for class activities, as well as assignments”, she said.
“We are pleading with the federal government to come for our rescue and not let us send all our allowances on data because this is too outrageous from MTN service provider. I am sure others will join them soon.”
A student of Adekunle Ajasin University, Akungba (AAUA) Oladele Daniel who is also an entrepreneur in his lamentations, he said, Nigeria is not just smiling at any one in all areas, but we have a bigger God.
“This increase is too much imagine 15 gig for a week from 2k to 6k which means I will be spending 24k on data for a month, where do I get such an amount from?”
Furthermore, Kemisola Okunola while reacting noted that there is always an alternative which could be found.
However, aside from the 15GB tariff plan increase, the MTN service provider 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.
However, the recent surge in MTN’s tariffs may be linked to prevailing economic downturn, fueled by rising inflation, foreign exchange fluctuations, and regulatory adjustments. As Telecom companies grapple with rising operational costs, such increases may be necessary for sustaining their services. However, this development raises concerns about affordability, as Nigerians continue to battle the economic hardship.
With MTN making the first move, there is a possibility that other service providers may follow suit, further straining consumers. If the trend continues, it could spark debates on the need for regulatory interventions to balance business sustainability with public interest, ensuring that essential communication services remain accessible to all.
