By George Omagbemi
MTN Nigeria has dismissed allegations that it deliberately deducts subscribers’ internet data, attributing the rapid depletion of data bundles to video streaming, automatic downloads, background applications and smartphone settings.
Speaking at a forum titled Data on Trial in Abuja on Monday, MTN’s General Manager of Network Performance, Mike Ndukwe, said many subscribers unknowingly consume data through applications that continue operating even when they are not actively browsing.
“We’re not stealing your data. However, we completely understand how it feels, especially right now, where every amount counts,” Ndukwe said, adding that data consumption could result from either users’ actions or processes running on their phones.
He explained that platforms such as TikTok, YouTube, Instagram and WhatsApp could consume substantial amounts of data, particularly when videos play automatically or stream in high definition.
According to Ndukwe, watching a 15-second TikTok video could consume between 2MB and 20MB, depending on its resolution.
He also warned that WhatsApp’s automatic media downloads, status videos and backups could quickly exhaust subscriptions, even when users believe they are only exchanging messages.
MTN’s General Manager of IT Operations, David Ogunsola, said differences between data usage displayed on smartphones and network billing records could arise from different measurement methods, background traffic and session timing. He cited possible discrepancies of between 2 and 12 per cent in some circumstances.
Meanwhile, MTN Chief Executive Officer Karl Toriola attributed the cost of internet services partly to the expenses of powering and maintaining telecommunications infrastructure in Nigeria.
Xiaomi Nigeria representative Kevin Kojode also highlighted automatic software updates, cloud backups and hotspot sharing as potential causes of unexpected data consumption.
Subscribers were advised to disable automatic downloads on mobile data, restrict app updates and backups to Wi-Fi, reduce video quality, switch off unused hotspots and monitor consumption through phone settings or the MyMTN application.
While MTN’s explanation identifies common causes of rapid data depletion, customers who notice unexplained deductions can request a review of their usage records from the network provider.
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