MTN Implements 50% Tariff Increase, Raises Data Prices

Nigeria’s largest telecommunications company, MTN, has begun implementing a 50% tariff increase on its data plans. The price adjustment, which was approved by the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) in January, does not affect call and SMS rates at the moment.

A senior official from MTN, who requested anonymity, confirmed the changes on Tuesday. “Yes, we’ve started updating our price lists. However, this process is gradual, and we haven’t completed it for all products yet,” the source said.

MTN Data Plans Experience Price Hikes

MTN has revised the pricing of several data plans. A review of the updated rates revealed that the 1.5GB monthly plan, previously priced at N1,000, has been replaced with a 1.8GB plan at N1,500.

The cost of the 15GB plan has increased from N4,500 to N6,500, while the 20GB plan now costs N7,500, up from N5,500. Larger data bundles have seen even steeper increases. The 1.5 terabyte 90-day plan has risen from N150,000 to N240,000, and the 600GB 90-day plan now costs N120,000, up from N75,000.

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NCC Justifies Tariff Increase

The NCC, which announced the tariff adjustment on January 20, cited rising operational costs as the reason behind the decision. The Commission stated that the move was necessary to ensure the long-term sustainability of the telecom sector.

The Director of Public Affairs at NCC, Reuben Muoka, explained that the decision aligns with the regulatory mandate under Section 108 of the Nigerian Communications Act, 2003.

Subscribers Oppose MTN Tariff Increase

The National Association of Telecommunications Subscribers (NATCOMS) has opposed the increase, calling for a reversal. The association argued that the hike should be limited to 10% instead of 50%. NATCOMS has also threatened legal action against the decision.