MTN Explains Why Nigerians’ Data Finishes Fast, Denies Theft Claims

MTN Nigeria has linked the rapid depletion of subscribers’ data bundles to high-resolution video streaming, automatic downloads, background applications, cloud backups and rising overall internet use.

The company rejected allegations that telecom operators deliberately deduct customers’ data.Speaking at a “Data on Trial” forum in Abuja on Monday, held on the sidelines of the 32nd Nigerian Economic Summit, MTN Nigeria’s General Manager of Network Performance, Mike Ndukwe, said data use is driven mainly by how subscribers and their devices behave.

“We’re not stealing your data. However, we completely understand how it feels, especially right now, where every amount counts. But the honest answer is that data is not taken without an action, either your action or your phone,” he said.

Ndukwe noted that many people unknowingly burn through data because smartphone settings and apps keep running even when the user is not actively browsing.

Apps such as TikTok, YouTube, Instagram and WhatsApp can consume very different amounts of data depending on video quality, automatic playback and download settings.

A 15-second TikTok video, for example, may use between 2MB and 20MB depending on resolution. High-definition streaming uses far more data than standard definition.

WhatsApp text messages use little data, but status updates, videos, group chats and automatic media downloads can drain bundles much faster than expected.

He also pointed to figures showing data consumption has risen by about 43 per cent year-on-year.Ndukwe advised subscribers to turn off automatic downloads, lower streaming resolution, switch on data-saving features and track usage through the MyMTN app.