MTN Nigeria has denied allegations that its system is responsible for “stealing” customers’ data, explaining that cases of rapid data depletion are largely driven by users’ online behaviour, device settings and application configurations.
The telecom operator made the clarification during a media and content creators’ engagement held in Lagos, where its technical team explained how data is measured, processed and billed across its network.
Engineers at the event addressed common concerns raised by subscribers and explained the mechanics behind data consumption on modern mobile networks.
Michael Ndukwe, senior manager for core network implementation at MTN Nigeria, said many customers misunderstand how data is used, especially with the widespread adoption of faster technologies such as 4G and 5G.
“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.
He explained that data is not consumed simply by connecting to the network or passing authentication checks, adding that usage only begins when users actively request online content such as videos, which are then delivered in packets and reconstructed on devices.
According to him, the system first verifies that a subscriber is active, has a valid data bundle, and is authorised before any internet session begins.
“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 added that complaints about fast data consumption are often influenced by the shift from older networks like 2G and 3G to modern high-speed systems that support richer content and higher usage rates.
‘Video resolutions, auto-play features, software updates depletes data fast’
Ndukwe said video quality is a major factor affecting data usage, noting that higher resolutions consume significantly more data.
He explained that a 15-second TikTok video in standard definition may use about two to three megabytes, while the same clip in high definition could consume up to 15 megabytes.
He added that a one-gigabyte data bundle would last much longer when viewing standard-definition content compared to high-definition videos.
He also highlighted auto-play features on platforms like TikTok, Facebook Reels and YouTube Shorts, saying many apps preload content in the background to avoid buffering, which increases data usage even during passive scrolling.
“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.
Ndukwe further pointed to hotspot sharing, cloud backups, automatic software updates and multiple connected devices as additional causes of rapid data depletion.
He noted that many smartphones are configured to automatically synchronise files, photos and applications, often without users noticing.
He also explained that sharing mobile data through hotspots can significantly increase consumption since multiple devices draw from the same bundle.
To illustrate, he compared modern network usage to drinking from a wider straw, saying faster networks naturally consume data more quickly.
“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.
‘Device readings may differ from network records’
David Ogunshola from MTN’s information technology team also clarified that differences between device-reported data usage and network records are normal.
He explained that smartphones typically track only user-level activity, while the network measures full data sessions, including background signalling processes.
He added that variations may also occur due to differences in measurement systems used by device manufacturers and telecom networks.
Ogunshola said these discrepancies are usually small but become more noticeable as overall data usage increases.
He noted that modern devices such as smartphones, smart TVs, gaming consoles and wearables are designed to deliver higher-quality experiences, which naturally leads to greater data consumption.
“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,” he said.
Ndukwe added that MTN provides tools such as the MyMTN app, usage alerts and data management settings to help customers monitor and control consumption.
“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 subscribers that the company remains committed to improving infrastructure and ensuring transparency in data billing.