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MTN CEO Faces Backlash After Saying Unlimited Data Does Not Exist

Written by

Promise Odejide

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MTN Nigeria Chief Executive Officer, Karl Toriola, has come under criticism after stating that unlimited mobile data plans are virtually non-existent around the world unless consumers are willing to pay extremely high fees.

Toriola made the remarks during a press conference titled “Data on Trial” held in Lagos, where he addressed growing demands from subscribers for cheaper and unlimited internet services.

MTN CEO Explains Data Pricing

According to Toriola, the economics of mobile network infrastructure make truly unlimited data difficult to provide at the price levels many consumers expect.

“The issue of unlimited data on mobile network, it does not exist anywhere in the world, except you are paying $400 a month or whatever. There are high bundles and fair usage policies,” he said.

He argued that network providers cannot build enough capacity to support unlimited usage for everyone while maintaining quality service.

Drawing a comparison with the aviation industry, Toriola said subsidising high-capacity services beyond sustainable levels would damage the industry.

“If you decide to give everybody in Nigeria unlimited local air tickets for N200,000 in a month, do you think the airline industry will survive? It won’t,” he stated.

Nigerians Challenge MTN’s Claims

The comments triggered widespread reactions on social media, with many Nigerians disputing the CEO’s position and accusing telecom operators of overcharging customers.

Several users pointed to countries such as Finland, the United Kingdom and France, where they claimed unlimited mobile data packages are available at lower costs relative to income levels.

Others questioned why telecom companies advertise certain plans as unlimited if restrictions still apply.

Some subscribers also compared MTN’s offerings to those of competing operators, arguing that better alternatives exist within the Nigerian market.

Sowore Threatens Protest

Human rights activist and African Action Congress presidential candidate, Omoyele Sowore, also criticised Toriola’s comments.

In a post on X, Sowore described the claims as misleading and insisted that consumers in many countries enjoy unlimited or near-unlimited data plans at affordable rates.

“Nigerians deserve affordable, reliable, and genuinely consumer-friendly telecommunications services, not endless tariff hikes, poor network quality, and excuses,” he wrote.

He further hinted at possible nationwide protests against the telecom operator, declaring that the time to “Occupy MTN” was approaching.

Growing Debate Over Data Costs

The controversy has renewed public debate over internet affordability, network quality and telecom pricing in Nigeria.

While operators argue that infrastructure costs and capacity limitations affect service delivery, many subscribers continue to demand more affordable data plans amid rising living costs and increasing dependence on digital services.

 

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