Mtn nigeria data plan prices increase in Nigeria
MTN Nigeria has confirmed the 200% hike on the weekly data plan for 15Gb, after initially denying the increase on a call with Techpoint Africa.
The hike, which was supposed to be 50% as approved by the Nigerian Communication Commission (NCC), was met with backlash after a series of complaints surfaced online.
The negative backlash from subscribers came after the telecom giant quietly increased its bundle price from ₦2,000 to ₦6,000 on Monday.
The increase was confirmed in a statement issued by the company across its social media channels calling the development a mistake and asking for the understanding from subscribers.
“We know how upsetting it must have been to wake up to a 200% increase on your favourite digital bundle. We get it and admit it. Let’s just say na mistake,” the telco shared.
In a statement to Techpoint Africa, a representative from MTN had earlier clarified that there was no price increase, and the plan simply returned to its original price after a promotional period.
While the telco has apologised for the hike, the plan seems to have reverted to 7GB which would go for ₦3,000.
The telecom giant only apologised to its users without stating if the plans would be reverted to normal or cancelled altogether.
MTN’s tarrif hike stems form Nigerian telecom operators requesting a tariff hike to compensate for the rising costs of operations and naira devaluation, amounting to financial losses.
However, lawmakers in Nigeria have stood against the hike, calling out telecom operators for putting more financial pressure on consumers without improving the quality of their service.
The Nigerian Labour Congress (NLC) is also opposing the hike, asking Nigerians to boycott mobile telecom services.
The union has expressed its dissatisfaction with telecom operators ignoring the agreement with the Federal government against the hike.
Meanwhile, the National Association of Telecommunications Subscribers (NATCOMS) has opted out of the NLC’s planned protest, choosing instead to advocate for a legal approach due to the necessity of adhering to regulatory processes.
