Does MTN zap your data indiscriminately? Here is what we found

MTN Nigeria faces growing scrutiny over allegations of rapid and unexplained data depletion, a concern echoed by numerous subscribers across social media. Reports from users suggest discrepancies between data usage recorded by their mobile devices and what MTN deducts from their subscriptions.

One such case involves Joshua, a user who conducted a personal investigation over several days to determine whether the telecom provider was depleting data unfairly. His findings provide a compelling look into the ongoing debate about data transparency.

Joshua did ₦1,500 for a 5 GB data subscription and recorded his data usage on March 11, noting that his phone measured 1.25 GB of usage while MTN reported 1.16 GB.

On March 12, the difference was smaller, with his phone showing 910MB and MTN listing 876.77MB. Over three days, his total usage based on MTN’s records came to 3.068 GB while his phone recorded 3.27GB.

“My data balance when I woke up was 2.32 GB. I added up all MTN records for the three days and deducted it from my open data balance on Tuesday; the result was 2.3 GB. While for the phone, it gave 2.09 GB.”

These numbers suggest a slight variance, and it means there is nothing substantial enough to outrightly accuse MTN of indiscriminate data deductions.

In his review, Joshua found that his phone included non-internet-related activities in its data count, leading to discrepancies. Background apps, push notifications, and system processes contributed to additional consumption. Despite this, he noted that the figures still did not fully explain the widespread complaints from other subscribers, many of whom claimed far more severe data losses.

“My own conclusion is that perhaps the theft, as alleged by those subscribers, happens over a long period of time. Like, say not something that occurs within a few days or a week,” he observed.

During a conversation about how best to validate the data claims, Joshua suggested using data balance for comparison but admitted that would not be entirely reliable.

“Would have suggested we use data balance as a comparison. But that also cannot be used as it is being controlled by MTN,” he explained.

Many users don’t often remember that background apps consume data without users realising it. Any app that sends notifications is definitely working in the background.

Data from subscriptions is depleted through various activities, each consuming specific amounts of data. For instance, streaming high-definition (HD) videos can use approximately 1GB per hour, while standard-definition (SD) videos consume around 350MB per hour. Streaming music typically uses about 60MB per hour, and an hour of social media browsing may consume approximately 200MB. Also, background activities such as app updates, cloud synchronisation, and automatic notifications can contribute to data usage without the user’s immediate awareness.

Yet, the uncertainty surrounding data usage tracking prompted more questions about how telecom providers measure consumption.

Does your phone measure by apps? He was asked. He confirmed that it did, but clarified that the calculation accumulates over time rather than providing a separate breakdown for each day. “Yeah. But the stuff is that the calculation accumulates, not like a separate daily calculation,” he noted.

Subscribers across X have voiced their frustrations over what they perceive as aggressive data depletion by MTN.

One user, @TheSerahIbrahim, described her experience, claiming that her monthly data, which usually rolls over, now depletes within six days despite her phone usage showing otherwise.

“MTN is saying I’m out of data in six days, exhausting my monthly data that normally rolls over, but now it disappears in six days doing absolutely nothing but X,” she wrote. Her phone’s internal data records indicated that 57% of her total usage went to X, while the remaining 43% appeared unaccounted for.

Other users reported similar discrepancies. One subscriber lamented: “1TB turns to 400GB, and 40GB turns to 25GB, with the rest of your data not being accounted for. If data is expensive, let it at least be quality and serve its purpose.” Another user, @iamDo2dtun, called for transparency from the network provider: “MTN needs to stop what they are doing. This data and credit zapping is becoming extremely ridiculous. Kilode! Una wan kill us with billing for this country.”

Beyond data depletion, concerns also extend to voice call charges. A social media user, @Solomon27297941 detailed how he was overcharged on a call that should have cost ₦2.53 but instead ₦7.75 was deducted from his balance.

“They have been carrying out all sorts of dubious activities on all customers,” he alleged.

Another subscriber, @iam_MrShow, shared his frustration about the sudden disappearance of 17GB from his account. “Till today, there’s still no reasonable explanation on how 17 GB disappeared from my line. 17 GB in the morning, 0MB a few hours later. One agent said it’ll be restored after 24 hours, another agent on X said I exhausted it, even when the phone was inactive.”

The controversy surrounding MTN’s data and voice billing practices comes amid a 50% tariff hike approved by the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC). The increase, which affected data and call costs across multiple telecom providers, was introduced as a measure to offset rising operational costs and a weakening naira.

The decision faced mixed reactions from consumers, many of whom argued that higher prices should be accompanied by improved service quality. Instead, the allegations against MTN suggest the opposite, with users claiming that they receive less data than they pay for.

Joshua’s observations align with the frustrations of many users but also introduce a more cautious perspective. He acknowledged that emotions could play a role in the widespread outrage, especially given the economic struggles faced by many Nigerians.

Also, we can’t rule out emotional drive from all these… which erupted from pains of financial struggle.

His investigation showed a smaller discrepancy than what many others claimed, but he remained open to the possibility that data depletion issues could be more apparent over an extended period.

MTN Nigeria responded to the wave of complaints, stating that data consumption depends on multiple factors, including device type, selected network mode, and browsing activities.

For many subscribers, these responses have done little to address concerns. The issue has taken on greater significance as Nigerian consumers grapple with economic hardship, rising costs, and declining purchasing power.