The clarification came during an interactive session held in Lagos, where MTN engineers and technology specialists engaged journalists and content creators on concerns surrounding data consumption and billing transparency.
The event was aimed at addressing widespread complaints from subscribers who claim their data bundles disappear faster than expected. According to MTN, the issue is largely linked to how modern applications, smartphones, and high-speed internet technologies consume data rather than any deliberate action by the network operator.
Why Customers Think Their Data Is Vanishing
Speaking during the session, Michael Ndukwe, Senior Manager for Core Network Implementation at MTN Nigeria, acknowledged that complaints about data depletion are among the most common concerns raised by customers.
“We usually hear the concern that MTN is stealing my data. I’m here to take you step by step through exactly how your data is used,” he said.
Ndukwe explained that many subscribers still compare current data consumption patterns with their experiences on older technologies such as 2G and 3G networks. However, today's internet ecosystem is significantly different, with richer content, higher-quality video streaming, and more sophisticated applications driving increased usage.
Using a TikTok video as an example, he explained that simply connecting a device to the network does not consume a subscriber’s data bundle. Before internet access is granted, the network only performs authentication and verification processes to confirm that the user is registered, has an active data plan, and is authorised to access online services.
According to him, actual data consumption begins when a user initiates an online activity such as streaming a video, downloading content, browsing websites, or sharing files.
“Data is not taken from you without your action. When you stream, scroll, download or share, you are using data. It’s as simple as that,” Ndukwe said.
He noted that because modern networks such as 4G and 5G are designed to deliver content faster and in higher quality, subscribers naturally consume more data than they did on slower technologies.
High-Definition Videos Driving Data Usage
One of the biggest contributors to data consumption, according to MTN, is video streaming.
Ndukwe explained that the quality at which videos are streamed can dramatically affect how much data is used. While a short 15-second TikTok clip viewed in standard definition may consume between two and three megabytes of data, the same video watched in high definition can use up to 15 megabytes.
This means that a one-gigabyte data bundle can support hundreds of standard-definition video views but significantly fewer high-definition streams.
As social media platforms increasingly prioritise video content, users may be consuming more data than they realise, particularly when browsing apps such as TikTok, Facebook Reels, Instagram Reels, and YouTube Shorts.
Background Downloads and Auto-Play Features
The MTN executive also highlighted the role of auto-play and background preloading features embedded in popular social media applications.
According to him, many platforms automatically download upcoming videos and content in advance to eliminate buffering and improve user experience. As a result, data may be consumed even before a user intentionally watches a particular video.
“Even before you click a video, they keep changing. Those apps are already downloading content in the background so that there is no buffering,” he said.
Beyond social media apps, Ndukwe identified several other factors responsible for rapid data depletion, including hotspot sharing, cloud storage synchronisation, automatic application updates, software downloads, and multiple connected devices.
He explained that many smartphones are configured by default to automatically back up photos, videos, and application data to cloud services. These processes often occur in the background without the user actively monitoring them.
Similarly, subscribers who share their internet connection through mobile hotspots may experience faster depletion because several devices could be accessing the same data bundle simultaneously.
4G and 5G Networks Consume Data Faster
To further simplify the concept, Ndukwe compared internet consumption on high-speed networks to drinking water through straws of different sizes.
“If you have a cup of water and you’re sipping with a small straw, it will last longer. If you use a bigger straw, you’ll finish it faster. You’ll enjoy it more, but consumption is higher,” he said.
The analogy, he noted, reflects the reality of modern internet access, where faster speeds encourage users to consume more content within shorter periods.
Why Device Data Records May Not Match MTN’s Figures
Also addressing the concerns, David Ogunshola of MTN’s Information Technology team explained why customers sometimes notice differences between data usage displayed on their smartphones and the records maintained by the network.
According to Ogunshola, such discrepancies are normal and stem from the fact that devices and network systems measure data differently.
While smartphones typically track user activities and application-level usage, telecommunications networks record the entire data session, including signalling information and technical processes required to establish and maintain connectivity.
He added that manufacturers and network operators may also use different measurement standards, creating slight variations in reported usage.
Ogunshola stressed that these differences are usually minimal but can become more noticeable as data consumption increases.
He further observed that the transition from basic mobile phones to smartphones, smart televisions, gaming consoles, tablets, and wearable devices has significantly raised overall data demand.
“The more sophisticated the device, the more it is optimised for quality. If you do not adjust those configurations, the device will always try to give you the best possible experience, and that comes with higher data usage,” Ogunshola said.
MTN Urges Customers to Monitor Usage
In response to growing concerns, MTN said it has introduced several tools to help subscribers track and control their data consumption.
These include the MyMTN app, data usage notifications, spending alerts, and settings that allow users to limit background activity and monitor application-level consumption.
Ndukwe said the company remains committed to transparency in data billing and continued investment in network infrastructure to improve customer experience.
“Our promise is that we continue to invest heavily in network quality to give you the best experience and ensure that every megabyte you purchase delivers the experience that you expect,” he said.
He assured customers that MTN would continue upgrading its infrastructure while maintaining transparent billing practices, adding that the company remains focused on delivering reliable connectivity as demand for digital services continues to rise across Nigeria.