MTN and Airtel Nigeria increased prices for internet data services by %10

Two major telecommunications companies in Nigeria, MTN Nigeria Communications Plc and Airtel Nigeria, have increased prices for their internet data services by about 10 per cent.

Both companies confirmed the increase on their separate verified Twitter pages (@AirtelNigeria and @MTN180) in response to inquiries by their customers.

In the Nigerian National Broadband Plan 2020 to 2025, the Federal Government seeks to ensure cheaper data services in the country.

The government plans to achieve N1000 for 1Gb by 2023 and N390 for 1Gb by 2025.

The recent 10 per cent hike is still less than the 40 per cent increase in the cost of calls, SMS, and data initially proposed by telecommunication companies under the aegis of the Association of Licensed Telecommunication Operators of Nigeria

In a letter to the Nigerian Communications Commission, the telecom companies had said that there had been a 40 per cent increase in the cost of doing business in the nation, which necessitated the proposed increase in services.

The letter read, “Given the state of the economy and the circa 40 per cent increase in the cost of doing business, we wish to request for an interim administrative review of the mobile (voice) termination rate for voice; administrative data floor price, and cost of SMS as reflected in extant instruments.”