MTN Nigeria has restored its XtraTime service, ending weeks of uncertainty for millions of subscribers who depend on the airtime advance feature when they run out of credit.
The service, which allows eligible customers to borrow airtime and repay the amount on their next recharge, was temporarily suspended after a new compliance requirement introduced by the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC).
MTN had announced the suspension in a notice signed by its Company Secretary, Uto Ukpanah, informing customers and investors that the airtime and data credit advance service would no longer be available pending regulatory compliance.
The decision sparked concern among many users who rely on XtraTime to stay connected during emergencies or when they are unable to purchase airtime immediately.
However, the telecommunications company has now confirmed that the service is back. Subscribers began receiving text messages notifying them of the restoration and inviting eligible users to access airtime loans once again.
In the message sent to customers, MTN stated: “Good news! Airtime loan is back! Access up to N1,295 loan when you dial *303# and stay connected.”
The return of the service is expected to bring relief to customers who use the feature as a temporary lifeline for calls, messages and other essential communication needs.
Although MTN has not provided additional details on the regulatory issues that led to the suspension, the restoration signals that the company has resolved the concerns that prompted the temporary halt.
XtraTime remains one of MTN’s most widely used value-added services, enabling subscribers with a history of regular usage and recharge activity to access airtime on credit whenever their balance runs low.
