MTN Nigeria has attributed the rapid depletion of internet data bundles to changing smartphone habits, video streaming and applications that continue using data even when subscribers are not actively browsing.
The telecommunications company gave the explanation at a forum tagged “Data on Trial” in Abuja on Monday, October 26, held on the sidelines of the 32nd Nigerian Economic Summit.
Mike Ndukwe, MTN Nigeria’s General Manager of Network Performance, said many subscribers might not realise how much data their phones consume through automatic downloads, background applications and other settings.
He rejected allegations that telecommunications operators deliberately deduct customers’ data, saying consumption often results from activities initiated by users or their devices.
Ndukwe identified TikTok, YouTube, Instagram and WhatsApp among the applications that can consume substantial amounts of data, depending on video quality, automatic playback and download settings.
According to him, a 15-second TikTok video could consume between two and 20 megabytes, depending on its quality. Watching high-definition videos can use considerably more data than viewing content at a lower resolution.
He also explained that ordinary WhatsApp text messages generally use little data, but videos, status updates, group conversations and automatic media downloads can quickly increase consumption.
Subscribers who allow WhatsApp to download photos and videos automatically while using mobile data may find their bundles reducing even when they are not deliberately downloading files.
Background activities also contribute to data consumption. Automatic software updates, cloud backups, photo synchronisation and applications refreshing their content can use data without users opening them directly.
MTN Nigeria’s General Manager of IT Operations, David Ogunsola, said differences could also occur between the data consumption recorded on a smartphone and the figures measured by a telecommunications network.
He attributed such differences to measurement methods, background traffic and the timing of data sessions, adding that variations could range from two per cent to approximately 12 per cent in some circumstances.
MTN Chief Executive Officer Karl Toriola also defended the cost of providing telecommunications services in Nigeria, citing electricity, transportation and the maintenance of network infrastructure as major operating expenses.
He said telecommunications operators had to power and maintain network sites across the country, contributing to the cost of delivering internet services.
Kevin Kojode, the Northwest Sales Manager of Xiaomi Nigeria, also identified automatic updates, cloud synchronisation, background applications and unrestricted mobile hotspot connections as possible reasons for unexpected data depletion.
He advised subscribers to restrict automatic updates to Wi-Fi connections, set data limits, monitor connected hotspot devices and reduce video streaming quality.
MTN urged customers to disable unnecessary automatic downloads, activate data-saving features and regularly check their consumption through the MyMTN application.
The company’s explanation comes amid persistent complaints from Nigerian subscribers who say their data bundles finish faster than expected. While smartphone settings and online habits can contribute to high consumption, subscribers who suspect incorrect deductions can review their usage records and contact their service provider for clarification.