MTN Implements 50% Tariff Hike, Increases Data Prices
Telecommunications giant, MTN has commenced the gradual implementation of a 50 per cent tariff hike, following approval by the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) in January.
The adjustment, which primarily affects data plans, has left call and SMS charges unchanged for now.
However, subscribers have started noticing significant increases in data costs, sparking concerns across the country.
A senior executive at MTN, who spoke on condition of anonymity, told journalists that the process is ongoing.
“Yes, we’ve started updating our price lists.
However, this process is gradual, and we haven’t completed it for all products yet,” the official disclosed.
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A review of the updated data plans shows steep increases across different packages.
The 1.5GB monthly plan, which previously cost N1,000, has now been replaced with a 1.8GB plan priced at N1,500.
The 15GB plan has jumped from N4,500 to N6,500, while the 20GB package now costs N7,500, up from N5,500.
For heavier users, the price hikes are even more drastic. The 1.5 terabyte 90-day plan has surged from N150,000 to N240,000, while the 600GB 90-day plan has climbed from N75,000 to N120,000.
The NCC had earlier justified the tariff hike, citing rising operational costs and the need to sustain the telecom industry.
In a statement released on January 20, the Commission, through its Director of Public Affairs, Reuben Muoka, stated that the decision aligns with its mandate under Section 108 of the Nigerian Communications Act, 2003.
However, the National Association of Telecommunications Subscribers (NATCOMS) has strongly opposed the increase, threatening legal action against the NCC’s approval.
Sodiq Lawal is a passionate and dedicated journalist with a knack for uncovering captivating stories in the bustling metropolis of Osun State and Nigeria at large. He has a versatile reporting style, covering a wide range of topics, from politics , campus, and social issues to arts and culture, seeking impact in all facets of the society.
