Recently, the NCC approved the increase of telecom tariffs by 50%. What people weren’t expecting was that MTN would triple data prices. A lot of people were caught off guard, leaving consumers feeling blindsided and frustrated.
The 15GB digital data bundle, previously priced at 2,000 naira, now costs a whopping 6,000 naira. This drastic price hike has sparked widespread outrage, with many Nigerians taking to social media to express their discontent. The timing of the price hike is also being questioned, given the current economic challenges facing the country including the hike in transportation fees.
For many Nigerians, the internet has become an essential tool for daily life, from communication and education to entertainment and commerce. The sudden and steep increase in data prices has left many feeling like they’re being priced out of the digital economy. An average person who had budgeted 2,000 naira weekly and 8,000 naira monthly would now end up spending 24,000 naira on data. There is only a 9,000 naira difference between the data price and minimum wage.
The NCC’s approval of the tariff increase was intended to help telecom operators offset rising costs, including inflation and currency devaluation. However, the commission had aimed to balance the needs of operators with consumer protection. MTN’s decision to triple data prices has raised concerns that this balance has not been achieved.
Many Nigerians are calling for greater transparency and accountability from telecom operators, particularly when it comes to pricing. Others are seeking alternatives to MTN’s services, exploring options from other telecom providers, or considering more affordable data plans.
The situation is developing, and it remains to be seen how the NCC and telecom operators will respond to consumer concerns. In the meantime, Nigerians are being forced to adapt to the new reality of higher data prices, with many fearing that the increase will have far-reaching consequences for the country’s digital economy.
As one Twitter user aptly put it, “This price hike is absolutely outrageous! Jumping from ₦2,000 to ₦6,000 for 15GB is beyond unreasonable. How do they expect students, content creators, and remote workers to cope with such a sudden increase? The cost of living is already high, and now even basic internet access is becoming a luxury.
If MTN keeps pushing customers like this, people might start exploring alternative networks or even offline options. We need some form of regulatory intervention to protect consumers from these exploitative moves.”
MTN’s drastic 15GB data price hike from ₦2,000 to ₦6,000 has opened a window of opportunity for Airtel and Glo to poach disgruntled subscribers. As Nigerians seek alternative networks, Airtel and Glo can redeem themselves by introducing affordable data plans, enhancing service delivery, and revitalizing their infrastructure.
For years, Airtel and Glo have struggled to provide reliable network coverage and stable internet speeds, leading to widespread disappointment. However, this is their chance to rewrite the narrative. By revamping their data offerings, investing in better infrastructure, and delivering high-quality service, Airtel and Glo can regain the trust of Nigerian consumers and establish themselves as viable alternatives to MTN.
Or will they also drastically increase their prices? Time will tell.
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