Airtel adjusts data and voice call prices by almost 50%; see the new price list

Nigeria’s second-largest telecom operator, Airtel Nigeria, has made an adjustment of up to 50 per cent to its data pricing structure. 

The new review comes amidst the ongoing data and voice price hikes by mobile operators following the 50 per cent telecom tariff adjustment by the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC).

The new Airtel price, which affects various data bundles, is a response to ongoing industry concerns over inflation impact, forex volatility, and escalating operational costs. 

In addition to this adjustment, the operator with over 56 million subscribers had also increased voice call tariffs over the weekend where the SMS charge is now N6, up from N4.

Confirming the development, a senior Airtel Nigeria official who spoke with Punch News said that the adjustments were necessitated by rising costs and the commitment to ensure continued service quality and network expansion. The official added that the increase is not up to 50 per cent.

Also in its revised price list, Airtel Nigeria assured customers of continued affordability, stating that “Whatever your data needs are, we have a plan for you. Our fast, affordable, and reliable internet experience will keep you connected anytime, anywhere. To get started, Dial *312#.”

The telecom company also assured subscribers that it remains pledged to deliver value despite the economic challenges.

The NCC while defending the 50 per cent telecom approval stated that the development was made under Section 108 of the Nigerian Communications Act, 2003 (NCA). 

“While recognising the concerns of the public, the decision was made after extensive consultations with key stakeholders across the public and private sectors,” the commission stated.

Similar Read: MTN apologizes, reverses 200% tariff hike after backlash from customers.

Airtel Nigeria’s new data plans

Including the data adjustment, Airtel’s call rates have increased from 18 to 25 kobo per second. However, some tariff plans remain unchanged, such as the 5GB weekly plan for N1,500.

On the new adjustment, daily plans pricing ranges as N50 for 40MB (valid for 1 day), N100 for 100MB (valid for 1 day), N200 for 200MB (valid for 3 days), and N350 for 1GB (valid for 1 day). 

Also, the weekly Airtel plans price review is now N350 for 350MB (valid for 7 days), N500 for 750MB plus 1GB YouTube Night and 200MB YouTube Music/Spotify (valid for 7 days), N500 for 1GB plus 1GB YouTube Night and 50MB Socials (valid for 7 days), and N500 for 2GB (valid for 2 days). 

For monthly plans, new prices are 3GB for N2,000 (formerly 1.5GB at N1,200), 4GB for N2,500 (previously 3GB at N1,500), and 8GB for N3,000 (formerly 4.5GB at N2,000). Others are 10GB for N4,000 (formerly 6GB at N2,500), 13GB for N5,000 (from 10GB at N3,000), 18GB for N6,000 (formerly 15GB at N4,000), and 25GB for N8,000 (previously 18GB at N5,000).

Recently, MTN Nigeria reversed a contentious 200% tariff hike on its 15GB data plan following significant backlash and a direct threat of action from the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC).

MTN implemented the tariff increase on Tuesday, which saw the price of its popular 15GB data bundle jump from N2,000 to N6,000, far exceeding the 50 per cent increase recently approved by the NCC. This move sparked an immediate outcry among users, many of whom took to social media platforms to voice their frustration and disbelief.

Reacting swiftly to the mounting pressure, MTN Nigeria issued a statement through its official X account on Thursday, apologizing for the tariff increase and admitting it was a “mistake.”

The company, which used a colloquial tone to acknowledge the public frustration, said, “To our 15G digital bundle lovers, you dey vex. We know. We know how upsetting it must have been to suddenly wake up to a 200 per cent increase on your favourite digital bundle.”

It described the hike as a “cast” and urged customers to “forgive and forget” in the spirit of the love season, referencing the St. Valentine’s season.