MTN Reacts, As Nigerians Criticise Network After Elon Musk’s Starlink Announcement

MTN Nigeria has been busy trying to pacify its data subscribers after the network firm owned by Elon Musk, Starlink, announced its presence in Nigeria on Tuesday, 31, January 2023.

Starlink has been in discussion with the representatives of the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) since 2021, as Musk’s network provider seeks to expand its service into the Nigerian territory. 

The Nigerian government had stated that Starlink will commence operation before the end of 2022 after several postponements. On Tuesday, the firm officially announced it has started operation. 

In a Twitter post that was retweeted by Musk, Starlink disclosed that Nigeria is the first African market where its service will go live.

“Starlink is now available in Nigeria – the first African country to receive service!” Starlink tweeted to its 27.9 million followers on Twitter. 

Since the announcement, Nigerians have trooped to the comment section of Starlink, calling out MTN Nigeria, stating that Starlink will help them escape the poor services they have been experiencing with the y’ello network. 

Several Nigerians including Bashir Ahmed, the Special Assistant on Digital Communications to President Muhammadu Buhari have reacted to Starlink’s announcement. 

Ahmad said: “Nigeria is the first country in Africa to receive @elonmusk’s Starlink service. So happy, especially for our upcoming startups, and Nigerians who have been frustrated on a daily, by poor network performance from our telecom companies.” 

What is MTN Nigeria saying?

Nigerians have been criticising MTN Nigeria in the Starlink comment section, and this compelled the y’ello network provider to react, pleading with subscribers that it is willing to resolve their network issues. 

A 3D designer with the username, @hayzweb3 tweeted: “@MTNNG and others are dead now!,” in response, MTN wrote: “our intention is not to disappoint our customers with our service. kindly walk us through your complaint/request and provide the affected number via DM to enable me to provide necessary assistance.” 

An engineer with the username, @legit_comrade, tweeted: “Just one question I need to ask! How long does your 1 month data subscription last? Cus @MTNNG dey carry us go where we no know.” 

In response, MTN Nigeria defended its internet service, stating: “Hi @legit_comrade, sorry to read about your complaint regarding data bundle depletion. Data is depleted based on internet usage.”