MTN Nigeria has attributed the rapid depletion of mobile internet data bundles to high-resolution video streaming, automatic downloads, background applications, cloud backups and increased internet activity, dismissing allegations that telecommunications operators deliberately deduct subscribers’ data.
The telecommunications company said many smartphone users unknowingly consume large amounts of data through applications and device settings that continue operating even when they are not actively browsing.
Speaking at a forum tagged “Data on Trial” in Abuja on Monday, held on the sidelines of the 32nd Nigerian Economic Summit, MTN Nigeria’s General Manager of Network Performance, Mike Ndukwe, said data consumption largely depends on subscribers’ online activities and smartphone configurations.
“We’re not stealing your data. However, we completely understand how it feels, especially right now, where every amount counts. But the honest answer is that data is not taken without an action, either your action or your phone,” Ndukwe said.
His comments come amid persistent complaints from Nigerian subscribers who say their internet subscriptions expire faster than expected.
MTN Explains How TikTok, YouTube and Instagram Consume Data
Ndukwe explained that applications such as TikTok, YouTube, Instagram and WhatsApp consume different amounts of data depending on video quality, automatic playback, downloads and other settings.
According to him, a 15-second TikTok video could consume between two and 20 megabytes, depending on its quality.
High-definition videos generally consume more data than standard-definition content, meaning subscribers who frequently stream videos at higher resolutions may exhaust their bundles more quickly.
WhatsApp text messages typically require relatively little data. However, frequent video sharing, status updates, group chats and automatic media downloads can significantly increase consumption.
Ndukwe specifically warned that WhatsApp's automatic-download feature could use subscribers’ data without them deliberately downloading individual files.
“If your WhatsApp is set on auto-download, straight away it hits your data bundle. And that is where you can optimise some of your settings,” he said.
He also disclosed that WhatsApp had approximately 45 million users in Nigeria and identified TikTok as one of the platforms generating substantial data traffic.
Ndukwe further cited figures indicating that data consumption had increased by approximately 43 per cent year-on-year.
Why Your Data May Finish Even When You Are Not Browsing
Apart from video streaming, several smartphone activities can consume internet data in the background.
These include:
Automatic application updates from app stores.
Cloud backups of photographs, videos and documents.
Automatic downloads of WhatsApp images, videos and voice notes.
Background refresh by social media applications.
Operating-system updates and synchronisation.
Unrestricted mobile hotspot connections.
High-resolution video streaming and automatic playback.
Some of these activities occur without users opening the relevant applications. As a result, subscribers may notice their data balance reducing even when they believe they have barely used the internet.
MTN Explains Differences in Data Usage Measurements
MTN Nigeria’s General Manager of IT Operations, David Ogunsola, said differences between data consumption recorded on smartphones and measurements used by telecommunications networks could result from differences in measurement methods, background traffic and the timing of data sessions.
“The data that you measure on your devices is slightly different from what traverses over the network and what’s on the charge,” Ogunsola explained.
He added that measurement variations and rounding could produce differences ranging from two per cent to approximately 12 per cent in some circumstances.
Ogunsola also explained that network technology primarily affects connection speed, while application settings and video quality influence the volume of data consumed.
According to him, using a 3G or 4G connection does not automatically determine how much data an activity requires, although the connection speed can affect how quickly the activity is completed.
MTN CEO Defends the Cost of Providing Internet Services
The Chief Executive Officer of MTN Nigeria, Karl Toriola, defended the cost of providing telecommunications services, citing electricity expenses and the cost of powering and maintaining network sites across the country.
He said Nigerian operators use equipment comparable to that deployed in Europe and the United States but face higher operating expenses, particularly in providing electricity for telecommunications infrastructure.
Toriola maintained that the company was intensifying consumer education to help subscribers understand how their devices use data and manage their subscriptions more effectively.
Meanwhile, Xiaomi Nigeria's Northwest Sales Manager, Kevin Kojode, also identified automatic software updates, cloud synchronisation, background applications and unrestricted hotspot connections as possible causes of unexpected data depletion.
“Today, users don’t just go online, they stay online,” Kojode said.
He advised users to restrict automatic updates to Wi-Fi connections, set mobile data limits, monitor hotspot activity and reduce video-streaming quality where necessary.
Seven Ways to Make Your Mobile Data Last Longer
Subscribers can take practical steps to reduce unnecessary data consumption on their smartphones.
1. Disable automatic downloads on WhatsApp
Open WhatsApp settings, select Storage and data, and adjust media auto-download settings for mobile data. You can prevent photos, videos and documents from downloading automatically.
2. Reduce video quality on TikTok and YouTube
Use data-saving features where available and select a lower video resolution when high-definition quality is unnecessary. Avoid leaving videos playing automatically for long periods.
3. Restrict background data
Check your phone's data-usage settings to identify applications consuming data in the background. Restrict background mobile data for apps that do not need constant internet access.
4. Set application updates to Wi-Fi only
Configure your app store to download updates over Wi-Fi rather than mobile data. Large application updates can consume substantial amounts of a subscription.
5. Review cloud backups and synchronisation
Check whether your photographs, videos and files are being backed up using mobile data. Where possible, configure backups to run only over Wi-Fi.
6. Monitor your data consumption
Use your phone's built-in data-usage monitor and the MyMTN application to track your balance and identify unusual consumption patterns. Note that phone-based measurements may differ from the operator's records.
7. Secure your mobile hotspot
Use a strong hotspot password, disconnect devices you do not recognise and switch off hotspot sharing when it is not needed. Connected laptops and other smartphones may download large files automatically.
What Should You Do If Your Data Still Disappears Quickly?
Although smartphone settings can explain much unexpected data consumption, subscribers should not assume that every case of rapid depletion is necessarily caused by their devices.
If your data balance reduces unusually quickly, check your usage records and compare them with your browsing, streaming and download activities. If the difference remains unexplained, contact your network provider through its official customer-service channels and request a review of the data sessions or deductions.
Keep records of your subscription, balance notifications and relevant usage information where possible. This can help customer service investigate a complaint more effectively.
MTN's explanation highlights the role of smartphone settings and online habits in data consumption. However, subscribers who believe they have been incorrectly charged can still seek clarification and ask their provider to investigate.
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