Why Nigerians’ data finishes fast — MTN

MTN Nigeria has cited high-resolution video streaming, automatic downloads, background applications, cloud backups, and heightened internet usage as primary factors behind the swift consumption of subscribers' data bundles, denying any intentional data deductions by telecom operators. During a forum titled "Data on Trial" in Abuja, MTN Nigeria's Network Performance General Manager Mike Ndukwe emphasized that data usage is largely dictated by subscriber activities and device configurations.

According to Ndukwe, applications like TikTok, YouTube, Instagram, and WhatsApp can consume substantial data depending on video resolution, constant playback, and download frequency. For instance, a 15-second TikTok video may use between two to 20 megabytes, while high-definition streaming requires considerably more data than standard-definition viewing.

WhatsApp messages typically use minimal data, but status updates, videos, group messages, and automatic media downloads could deplete subscriptions faster than anticipated. Ndukwe advised subscribers to disable automatic downloads, lower streaming quality, enable data-saving features, and monitor usage through the MyMTN application.

MTN Nigeria's IT Operations General Manager David Ogunsola explained that discrepancies between smartphone-measured data and network-recorded data stem from measurement techniques, background traffic, and session timing. Variations in measurement and rounding could result in differences ranging from two percent to around 12 percent.

MTN Nigeria CEO Karl Toriola defended the cost of delivering internet services, citing the challenges of powering and maintaining telecommunications infrastructure. Nigerian operators utilize equipment comparable to that in Europe and the United States, but face higher operating costs, particularly for electricity. Xiaomi Nigeria's Northwest Sales Manager Kevin Kojode attributed unexpected data depletion to automatic software updates, cloud synchronization, background applications, and unrestricted hotspot connections.

He recommended subscribers to restrict automatic updates to Wi-Fi, activate data limits, monitor hotspot connections, and reduce streaming quality to better manage their subscriptions.