The demand for cheaper and unlimited internet access has increased in Nigeria as more people rely on digital services for work, education, entertainment, and communication. MTN Nigeria in response says affordable unlimited mobile data plans are not economically sustainable because mobile networks have finite capacity and require continuous infrastructure investment.
Speaking in Lagos, MTN CEO, Karl Toriola stated mobile operators must balance affordability with service quality. He warned that offering low-cost unlimited data could strain networks and reduce service reliability. He added that unlimited mobile data is uncommon globally and is available only at high premium prices.
However, MTN Nigeria and other telecom operators maintain that expanding network capacity requires massive investment in infrastructure and spectrum.
“The issue of unlimited data on mobile neytwork, it does not exist anywhere in the world, except you are paying $400 a month or whatever…we cannot give unlimited as much as we desire it. We won’t be able to build the network that people would be able to use in what way whatsoever” – Karl Toriola, MTN CEO
MTN also stated that network limitations and operating costs make cheap unlimited data impractical.
Meanwhile, consumers continue to call for lower data costs and larger data allowances, due to the growing importance of internet access in daily life and economic activities.
MTN in response says it will continue engaging customers and improving transparency around data usage and billing practices.
