MTN Nigeria has rejected allegations that it unfairly deducts customers’ data, insisting that rapid data depletion is largely driven by user activity, device settings and the growing use of high-speed internet services.
The telecom company addressed concerns over disappearing data during an engagement with journalists and content creators in Lagos, where its engineers explained how internet usage is measured and billed across the network.
Speaking at the session, Michael Ndukwe, Senior Manager for Core Network Implementation at MTN Nigeria, said many subscribers underestimate how much data modern applications and devices consume, particularly on 4G and 5G networks.
“We usually hear the concern that MTN is stealing my data. I’m here to take you step by step through exactly how your data is used,” Ndukwe said.
Using a TikTok video as an example, he explained that data is not deducted simply because a device connects to the network. Instead, consumption begins when users request online content such as videos, which are delivered through data packets and assembled on their devices.
According to him, the network first verifies that a subscriber is registered, has an active data bundle and is authorised to access internet services before any data session begins.
“Data is not taken from you without your action. When you stream, scroll, download or share, you are using data. It’s as simple as that,” he said.
Ndukwe noted that faster internet technologies often create the impression that data is disappearing more quickly because they are designed to support richer content and deliver better user experiences.
Video Quality and Background Features Drive Usage
The MTN official identified video resolution as one of the biggest factors behind high data consumption.
He said a 15-second TikTok clip viewed in standard definition may consume between two and three megabytes, while the same video in high definition could use up to 15 megabytes.
As a result, a one-gigabyte data bundle can support significantly more standard-definition videos than high-definition content.
Ndukwe also pointed to autoplay and preloading features on platforms such as TikTok, Facebook Reels and YouTube Shorts. These features download content in the background to reduce buffering, increasing data usage even when users are only scrolling through videos.
“Even before you click a video, they keep changing. Those apps are already downloading content in the background so that there is no buffering,” he said.
He further listed hotspot sharing, cloud backups, automatic software updates and multiple connected devices as other common causes of rapid data depletion.
According to him, many smartphones are configured to automatically synchronise photos, videos and app data, often without users noticing.
To explain the impact of faster internet speeds, Ndukwe compared 4G and 5G networks to drinking through a wider straw.
“If you have a cup of water and you’re sipping with a small straw, it will last longer. If you use a bigger straw, you’ll finish it faster. You’ll enjoy it more, but consumption is higher,” he said.
Why Device Records May Differ
Also speaking at the event, David Ogunshola of MTN’s information technology team said differences between data usage figures displayed on devices and those recorded by the network are normal.
He explained that smartphones generally track user activity and app-level usage, while network systems record the entire data session, including signalling processes needed to establish and maintain connectivity.
Ogunshola added that different measurement standards used by device manufacturers and network operators can also create small discrepancies.
He said the shift from basic mobile phones to smartphones, smart TVs, gaming consoles and wearable devices has contributed to rising data consumption because these devices are built to deliver higher-quality digital experiences.
“The more sophisticated the device, the more it is optimised for quality. If you do not adjust those configurations, the device will always try to give you the best possible experience, and that comes with higher data usage,” Ogunshola said.
MTN said customers can monitor and manage their consumption through the MyMTN app, data usage alerts and settings that restrict background activity.
“Our promise is that we continue to invest heavily in network quality to give you the best experience and ensure that every megabyte you purchase delivers the experience that you expect,” Ndukwe said.
He added that the company would continue investing in network infrastructure while maintaining transparency in data billing.
