MTN Nigeria has dismissed allegations that it secretly deducts customers’ data, insisting that rapid data depletion is largely caused by user activities, device settings, and modern internet consumption habits.
The telecom company addressed the concerns during an interactive session with journalists and content creators in Lagos, where its technology experts explained how data is measured and consumed across its network.
Speaking at the event, MTN’s Senior Manager for Core Network Implementation, Michael Ndukwe, said many subscribers wrongly assume their data is being stolen because they do not fully understand how modern internet services work.
According to him, data is only consumed when users actively stream videos, browse websites, download files, scroll through social media, or perform other online activities.
Ndukwe explained that the widespread use of faster 4G and 5G networks has significantly increased data consumption compared to older technologies such as 2G and 3G.
He identified high-definition video streaming as one of the biggest causes of rapid data usage, noting that watching videos in HD consumes far more data than standard-definition content.
The MTN official also pointed to auto-play features on platforms like TikTok, Facebook Reels, Instagram, and YouTube Shorts, explaining that many of these apps automatically load videos in the background even before users click on them.
Other factors highlighted include hotspot sharing, cloud backups, automatic software updates, and multiple connected devices, all of which can quietly consume large amounts of data without the user’s immediate awareness.
According to him, smartphones are often configured to automatically back up photos, videos, and application data, leading to increased data usage even when users are not actively browsing.
MTN further explained that customers who share internet access through mobile hotspots may experience faster depletion because several devices are drawing from the same data bundle simultaneously.
The company also addressed complaints about differences between data usage displayed on mobile devices and figures recorded by the network.
MTN’s Information Technology expert, David Ogunshola, said such discrepancies are normal because smartphones usually track only app-related usage, while network systems record the entire data session, including background processes required to maintain connectivity.
He added that modern devices are designed to provide higher-quality digital experiences, which naturally consume more data unless users manually adjust their settings.
To help subscribers manage their usage, MTN said customers can monitor consumption through the MyMTN App, activate data usage alerts, and adjust settings to limit background activities and automatic downloads.
The telecom company reassured subscribers that it remains committed to transparency and continued investment in network infrastructure to improve service quality.
Source: MTN Nigeria.
