MTN Nigeria has implemented a 50 percent price hike on its data subscriptions, as telecommunications operators across the country begin enforcing the 50% price increase recently approved by the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC).
The updated MTN data prices show that MTN’s 1.8GB monthly plan now costs N1,500, replacing the previous 1.5GB plan which was priced at N1,000.
The 20GB plan has been revised to N7,500, up from N5,500, while the 15GB plan now costs N6,500, an increase from N4,500.
Additionally, the price for text messages is now N6.00. Other mobile operators, including Airtel, Globacom, and 9mobile, have yet to adjust their data prices at the time of writing, but all networks are now charging N6.00 for text messages, up from the previous N4.00.
This increase in text message pricing reflects the 50% rise approved by the NCC.
Telecom industry sources confirm that operators received the final approval for their new tariff plans on Monday, and all operators are currently updating their data and voice offerings.
At a forum two weeks ago, Engr. Gbenga Adebayo, Chairman of the Association of Licensed Telecommunications Operators of Nigeria (ALTON), revealed that all operators had submitted their new tariff plans to the NCC and were awaiting approval.
The NCC announced on January 20 that it had authorized a 50% tariff adjustment for telecom operators, citing rising operational costs and the need to ensure the sustainability of the industry.
In a statement signed by the Director of Public Affairs, Reuben Muoka, the Commission emphasized that this decision is part of its regulatory role under Section 108 of the Nigerian Communications Act, 2003.
However, the National Association of Telecommunications Subscribers (NATCOMS) has threatened to take legal action against the approved