MTN Nigeria has officially raised its data rates by 200%. This announcement was made in a statement on the company’s X page.
The company stated:
“Y’ello! We appreciate your visit. We apologize for any inconvenience and the delay in our response. A price adjustment has been enacted to improve our services and cater to your needs better, which is why you are witnessing the revised amount.”
This follows the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) approving a rise in tariffs for telecom firms, referencing current market conditions.
Reuben Mouka, the spokesperson for the commission, shared this decision in January, clarifying that the approval is in accordance with the NCC’s regulatory authority under Section 108 of the Nigerian Communications Act of 2003.
As per Mouka, the revision allows for a maximum increase of 50 percent on existing tariffs, a compromise from the over 100 percent hike initially sought by certain network providers.
“The revision, limited to a maximum of 50 percent of current tariffs, although lower than the over 100 percent requested by some network operators, was determined after considering ongoing industry reforms that will positively impact sustainability,” Mouka noted.
In line with this approval, SaharaReporters noted that MTN has raised the prices of data bundles by approximately 200%.
Under the new pricing framework, the 15GB data bundle, which was previously priced at N2,000, now costs N6,000. Likewise, the 1.5TB plan has surged from N150,000 to N240,000.
Other impacted plans include the 100GB bundle, now priced at N25,000 for 90GB, up from the earlier price of N20,000 for 100GB. The 600GB bundle has also risen from N75,000 to N120,000 for 480GB.
The price surge has raised alarms among subscribers, who are already facing economic difficulties in the nation.
Numerous users have taken to social media to voice their discontent with the new rates, urging the company to reconsider the hike.