MTN accused of draining customer data while denying wrongdoing

By Evi Abinama

MTN Ghana’s Chief Executive Officer, Stephen Blewett, has strongly refuted allegations that the telecom giant deliberately depletes customer data.

His defense, reported by Diaspora digital media DDM) corespondents comes amid growing concerns from subscribers in Nigeria, where MTN serves over 80 million users.

Consumers across Nigeria have raised alarms over unexplained data losses, questioning whether telecom providers are engaging in unfair practices.

Regulatory agencies, including the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) and the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC), have been flooded with complaints.

Subscribers are demanding urgent investigations into what they consider unauthorized reductions in their internet data.

Many customers claim that despite limited browsing activity, their data depletes at an unusually fast rate.

Some have shared experiences of purchasing data bundles that vanish within hours, even when used sparingly.

These suspicions have triggered widespread conversations on social media, with affected customers calling for transparency from telecom operators.

Telecom Operators Deny Wrongdoing

In response to the backlash, telecom operators, including MTN, have denied engaging in unethical practices.

They attribute the rising data consumption to technological advancements and evolving consumer usage patterns.

One of the key explanations given is the shift from 3G and 4G networks to 5G technology.

According to telecom companies, higher-speed networks naturally consume more data, even when performing the same activities as before.

Streaming platforms such as YouTube, Netflix, and TikTok automatically adjust video quality based on network strength.

As a result, customers may unknowingly consume more data when connected to faster, high-quality networks.

Despite these explanations, many consumers remain unconvinced, arguing that their data usage does not align with their online activities.

Some have called for independent investigations into the data depletion issue to determine whether telecom companies are at fault.

Stephen Blewett Addresses Allegations

At a recent media briefing held at MTN House in Accra, Blewett addressed the controversy head-on.

He acknowledged that accusations of data theft are not new, stating that similar concerns have emerged in every country he has worked in.

“I’ve heard people say, ‘You’re stealing my data’ in every country I’ve worked in,” he remarked.

However, he categorically denied any wrongdoing, stating, “I swear to God as my witness: we have no reason to steal your data.”

Blewett emphasized that MTN has no financial motivation to manipulate customer data usage.

He explained that his performance bonuses are based on transparent revenue reporting, not hidden charges.

“If I steal data, I can’t report it—I’d lose my bonus,” he stressed, dismissing allegations of data theft.

He further argued that faster internet speeds naturally lead to increased data consumption.

“When your signal is stronger, it’s like Pac-Man eating your data,” he said.

The analogy was meant to illustrate how improved connectivity can lead to higher data usage without customers realizing it.

Customers Remain Skeptical

Despite Blewett’s reassurances, many Nigerian subscribers continue to suspect unethical practices by telecom providers.

Social media platforms are filled with complaints from customers questioning why their data disappears so quickly.

Some have shared screenshots of data bundles depleting in real-time, despite minimal online activity.

There is also frustration over the lack of detailed breakdowns of how data is consumed.

Many users believe telecom companies should provide clearer billing structures to improve transparency.

Some consumer rights groups have urged the Nigerian government to enforce stricter oversight on data pricing and usage.

They argue that without independent monitoring, telecom operators may continue to exploit customers.

MTN’s Auditing and Regulatory Oversight

Blewett defended MTN’s integrity, stating that the company undergoes strict auditing processes to ensure fair billing.

“Our billing system is independently audited—any errors would disrupt our financial records,” he assured.

He highlighted that MTN has a dedicated revenue assurance team that monitors billing discrepancies.

“We don’t want revenue leaks or incorrect charges,” he added.

Despite these claims, many customers remain wary and demand more transparency in data consumption tracking.

Some have suggested that MTN introduce detailed daily usage reports to allow users to track their data consumption more accurately.

The Global Data Consumption Debate

The issue of data depletion is not unique to Nigeria or Ghana.

Across the globe, telecom subscribers have accused providers of suspicious data consumption.

Experts argue that as network speeds increase, background processes and app updates consume more data.

Most modern smartphones automatically update applications, sync cloud storage, and run background tasks without users actively browsing.

These hidden data-consuming activities may contribute to the perception that telecom companies are stealing data.

However, critics argue that service providers should do more to educate consumers on managing their data usage.

As tensions between Nigerian consumers and telecom giants continue, there is an urgent need for greater accountability in the industry.

Regulators like the NCC must enforce transparency measures to ensure fair treatment of consumers.

Telecom providers should implement detailed data usage breakdowns to restore public trust.

Customers must also take proactive steps to monitor their data settings and limit background data consumption.

Without decisive action, the skepticism surrounding telecom operators will continue to grow.

MTN and other telecom giants must prioritize customer trust and transparency to maintain their reputation in Nigeria’s competitive market.

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