MTN dismisses data theft allegation

…says data not consumed without subscriber’s action

Telecommunications service provider MTN has dismissed allegations of data theft being levied against the Network, noting that data consumption can only be experienced when users actively request online content such as videos, downloads or web pages.

The Senior Manager for Core Network Implementation, MTN Nigeria, Mr. Michael Ndukwe, made the clarifications over the weekend while engaging select journalists and content creators at an event tagged: “Data on Trial”.

At the event, designed to address concerns about data consumption, billing practices and service quality, Ndukwe noted that such issues are being raised by subscribers, yet to have a full grasp of how internet data is consumed, especially with the advent of the 4G and 5G technologies.

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According to him, data is not consumed when a mobile device merely connects to the network or undergoes authentication processes, but when subscribers actively request online contents, adding that video-streaming remains one of the biggest drivers of data consumption.

“4G and 5G networks are designed to support richer content and improved user experiences , resulting in higher data usage; while a 15 second TikTok video viewed in standard definition could consume between two and three megabutes of data, while the same clip watched in high definition could use up to 15 megabytes,” he added.

On service quality issue, MTN Nigeria’s Chief Technical Officer (CTO), Mr. Yahaya Ibrahim, identified infrastructure and environmental issues, as some of the challenges responsible for network’s disruptions.

He also identified vandalism, sabotage and road construction activities, as some of the biggest challenges facing the company’s operations in Nigeria.

Yahaya, who disclosed that the network presently experiences between 35 to 40 fibre cuts on daily basis, further explained that network quality is usually impaired if a site becomes congested, experience power outages, run of diesel or suffer equipment failures.