MTN Nigeria has officially implemented a tariff hike for select data plans, sparking outrage among subscribers already battling Nigeria’s economic challenges. Approved by the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), the 50% price adjustment took effect on February 10, 2024, with the 15GB weekly plan skyrocketing from ₦2,000 to ₦6,000.
MTN Data Plan Changes: Increases, Cuts & Unchanged Bundles
A review of MTN’s updated pricing reveals a mixed strategy:
Plans with sharp increases
- 15GB Weekly Plan: ₦2,000 → ₦6,000 (+200%).
- 100GB Bundle: ₦20,000 for 100GB → ₦25,000 for 90GB.
- 600GB Bundle: ₦75,000 → ₦120,000 (now 480GB).
Unchanged plans
- 1.5GB + 10 Mins Weekly: ₦1,000.
- 7GB Weekly Plan: ₦2,000.
Discounted plans
- 11GB Monthly + FREE 2GB YouTube: ₦5,500 → ₦5,000.
While some users benefit from cuts, the MTN tariff hike on mid-tier bundles like the 15GB plan has drawn fierce criticism.
Why Did MTN Raise Prices? NCC’s Role
The NCC approved the tariff hike in January 2024 under Section 108 of the Nigerian Communications Act. Telecom operators like MTN, Airtel, and Glo argued that stagnant prices, inflation, and currency devaluation necessitated adjustments.
Reuben Mouka, NCC Director of Public Affairs, stated:
“The 50% increase balances industry sustainability and consumer affordability. Operators initially sought over 100%, but we prioritized reforms to mitigate long-term impacts.”
Critics, however, argue the MTN tariff hike undermines Nigeria’s digital inclusion goals.
Customer Backlash: “Internet Is Now a Luxury”
Social media erupted with complaints:
- @Sodiq: “How do we encourage digital inclusion when data costs 200% more?”
- Blessing (Student): “Affordable data is vital for research. This is unfair.”
- Benson (Lagos Business Owner): “MTN’s service quality hasn’t improved. Why pay more?”
The backlash highlights frustrations with service quality and transparency.
Will Airtel, Glo Follow MTN’s Tariff Hike?
As of February 2024:
- MTN: Full implementation.
- Spectranet: Planning hikes but offering discounts.
- Airtel/Glo: No changes yet, but analysts predict adjustments soon.
Subscribers are exploring alternatives like 9mobile or smaller bundles to manage costs.
Broader Impact: Can Nigerians Afford Costlier Internet?
Nigeria’s digital economy relies on affordable internet, but the MTN tariff hike risks widening the digital divide:
- Students: Online learning at risk.
- Entrepreneurs: Higher operational costs for SMEs.
- Low-Income Earners: Forced to ration data.
Consumer advocacy groups urge the NCC to cap hikes at 10%, but telecom firms insist adjustments are unavoidable.
What Can Subscribers Do?
- Switch Providers: Compare Airtel, Glo, or 9mobile plans.
- Use Promos: Leverage MTN’s discounted bundles.
- Advocate: Push the NCC for stricter price regulation (NCC contact page).
