50% Tariff Hike: MTN increases prices of internet data

• MTN Nigeria has increased the prices of its internet data subscription 
• The increase follows the approval from the Nigerian Communications Commission for a 50 per cent hike in telecom tariffs
• The new pricing has sparked outrage from Nigerians on social media

Telecommunications giant, MTN Nigeria, has increased the price of internet data subscriptions across different bundles.

The new pricing means that internet subscribers will now have to pay N6,000 for a 15GB weekly data plan, a 200 per cent increase from the previous N2,000.

The increase also means subscribers will pay N7,500 for 20GB monthly from N5,500 previously; 75GB, which used to cost N16,000 monthly, has increased to N20,000.; N9,000 for 25GB monthly, N11,000 for 32GB monthly; N22,000 for 120GB monthly, etc.

Subscribers found out about the new pricing on Tuesday, February 11, sparking outrage among Nigerians on social media.

The increase follows the recent approval by the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) for a 50 per cent increase in telecom tariffs.

Nigerians react to increase in prices of MTN’s internet data

Taking to social media, especially X, Nigerians have expressed their opinions on the price increase.

Some condemned the implementation of the 50 per cent increase without prior notice, while some noted that the increase is more than the 50 per cent approved by the NCC.

@TheSilvapr wrote, “Nigeria is a very difficult place to live in honestly. MTN waking up one day to increase their weekly 15gb data from 2k to 6k without prior warning is textbook insanity.

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

@OduzCfc tweeted, “While men were sleeping, MTN increased our beloved 16GB weekly plan from 2k to 6k.” 😭

@ThaRealBello wrote, “This is pure wickedness on Nigerians @MTNNG @MTN180. Why did you triple the price of the 7 days plan from 2k to 6k. Whyyyyyyggh?”

@officialdey1 said, “Bro!!! MTN gonna lose customers because I don’t understand how you will raise the cost of 15GB data from 2k to 6k.” 😭

@nuradeeeen tweeted, “MTN has increased their data cost of 15GB from 2k to 6k. If you don’t see me online I hope y’all understand.

@official_GZU wrote, “MTN increasing the cost of its 15gb 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’t change anything because telecom operators have to operate within a profit-driven system. Complaints on social media or elsewhere won’t reverse the decision because the price increase is tied to economic factors beyond your control. Businesses don’t lower prices due to outrage; they do so when inflation and currency devaluation, market forces, competition, or policies make it necessary.

“Rather than just complaining, look for data alternatives and increase your income.”

NCC approved a 50 per cent tariff hike

It will be recalled that the NCC approved a 50 per cent hike in tariff on Monday, January 20, after weeks of deliberations with telecom operators, in response to prevailing operational costs.

The Association of Licensed Telecommunications Operators of Nigeria (ALTON) and the Association of Telecommunications Companies of Nigeria (ATCON) raised several concerns and asked the NCC to upwardly review tariffs.

The operators asked for a 100 per cent hike so they could meet up with rising capital and operational costs.

They also noted that proceeds from the tariff increase would be channelled toward infrastructural upgrades and enhancing service quality.

However, on January 16, the Minister of Communications, Innovation, and Digital Economy, Bosun Tijani, said a hike in telecom tariffs would not exceed 60 per cent, saying that a 100 per cent increase would hurt Nigerians and hamper the country’s economic growth.

The 50 per cent tariff hike was met with rejection from telecommunication subscribers, as they threatened legal action against the NCC if the hike is not reviewed downward to between five and 10 per cent.

Explore capital market funding, not 100% tariff hike, subscribers urge telcos

Meanwhile, TheRadar earlier reported that telecommunications operators were urged to explore capital market funding as a sustainable option to address rising operational costs rather than implementing a proposed 100 per cent tariff hike.

President of the National Association of Telecommunications Subscribers (NATCOMS), Adeolu Ogunbanjo, said the proposed tariff hike would impose financial strain on consumers.