MTN Nigeria has revealed that the growing consumption of high-definition video content, advanced smartphone settings, and interconnected devices are the primary reasons why subscribers are burning through data faster than they realize.
The telecommunications giant addressed these concerns during a media session with journalists and content creators in Lagos.
At the event, MTN’s engineering and technology teams tackled the widespread complaints surrounding rapid data depletion and demonstrated exactly how data usage is tracked and measured across its network.
The engagement follows a wave of complaints from subscribers who have questioned the speed at which their data bundles disappear.
Many users have also expressed confusion over why the data usage trackers built into their mobile phones often show different figures compared to the records provided by the network operator.
According to MTN, the digital ecosystem has changed drastically over the last few years, with many modern applications now automatically serving content in the highest possible quality.
The technical team demonstrated how popular short-form video platforms like TikTok, Instagram Reels, and YouTube Shorts continuously consume data in the background as users scroll through their feeds.
The company further explained that the deployment of high-speed 4G and 5G networks allows mobile devices to load heavy, high-quality video files much faster, leading to increased data consumption.
Essentially, a subscriber may end up using significantly more data simply because content is being delivered to their screen at a much higher resolution than in the past.
In addition, MTN noted that many modern smartphones are configured by default to prioritize premium performance and a seamless user experience, often without the user’s conscious knowledge.
Commenting on this device behavior, David O. Ogunsola, General Manager, Information Technology Operations at MTN Nigeria, said, “The message here is that the more sophisticated your device is, the likelihood that if you do not touch any of the settings it optimizes toward the best experience.”
The technology team also highlighted that background app activities, cloud synchronization, automatic software updates, and mobile hotspot connections all eat into data bundles silently, even when a customer is not actively streaming or browsing.
Micheal (Mike) Ndukwe, General Manager, Network Performance and Quality Assurance at MTN Nigeria, urged subscribers to be more vigilant about how their devices operate.
He clarified that data does not just vanish, stating, “Data is not taken from you without your action; when you stream, scroll, download or share, you’re using data, it’s as simple as that.”
Ndukwe also pointed out that sharing internet access via mobile hotspot is a major data drain that many subscribers overlook.
He added, “Hotspot is something we hardly check. You also need to check who you hotspot at home cause that will also consume your data.”
Addressing the discrepancy between phone settings and network data logs, MTN explained that mobile phones typically track data usage from an individual application or device perspective.
In contrast, network systems calculate the absolute total traffic required to transport that content across the infrastructure.
The company assured subscribers that minor variances between the two metrics are entirely normal and do not mean customers are being overcharged.
Moving forward, MTN stated that it will sustain its consumer education campaigns to help users better understand data consumption, optimize their device settings, and manage their online habits to prolong the lifespan of their data bundles.
