MTN Explains Rapid Data Depletion, Blames Streaming, Hotspot Sharing

MTN Nigeria has dismissed allegations of data “theft” by subscribers, attributing complaints of rapid data depletion to user behaviour, application settings and the increasing demands of modern internet services.

The telecommunications company made the clarification during an engagement with journalists and content creators in Lagos, where its technical team explained how data consumption works across its network.

The session featured engineers and network specialists who broke down the processes involved in data usage, billing and measurement, amid growing customer concerns over perceived fast depletion of data bundles.

Speaking at the event, a Senior Manager for Core Network Implementation at MTN Nigeria, Michael Ndukwe, said misconceptions often arise from users not fully understanding how data is consumed on high-speed networks 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.

Ndukwe explained that data is not consumed simply by connecting to the internet, but only when users actively request content such as streaming videos, downloading files or browsing social media.

According to him, modern applications are designed to consume more data due to improved quality and speed.

“A 15-second video on TikTok can consume as little as 2 to 3 megabytes in standard definition, but up to 15 megabytes in high definition,” he said, noting that higher-quality content significantly increases usage.

He also identified auto-play functions on platforms like TikTok, YouTube Shorts and Facebook Reels as major contributors to fast data depletion, explaining that many apps preload videos in the background to prevent buffering.

“Even before you click, content is already being downloaded in the background so there is no buffering,” he said.

Ndukwe further pointed to hotspot sharing, cloud backups, automatic updates and multiple connected devices as additional factors driving higher consumption rates.

He likened the impact of faster networks to using a wider straw to drink water, saying improved speed naturally leads to faster usage.

“If you have a cup of water and you sip with a small straw, it lasts longer. With a bigger straw, you finish faster,” he said.

Another MTN technology expert, David Ogunshola, explained that differences between what customers see on their devices and what is recorded on the network are expected due to variations in measurement systems.

He said smartphones typically track app-level usage, while network systems measure total data sessions, including background processes required to maintain connectivity.

Ogunshola added that modern smartphones, smart TVs, gaming consoles and other connected devices are designed to prioritise high-quality performance, which often results in higher data consumption if settings are not adjusted.

“The more sophisticated the device, the more it is optimised for quality. If you do not adjust settings, it will always give you the best experience, and that comes with higher data usage,” he said.

He noted that discrepancies between device readings and network records are usually small but become more noticeable as consumption increases.

The MTN officials also advised customers to actively monitor usage through the MyMTN application, data alerts and built-in controls that allow users to limit background activity and set consumption thresholds.

Ndukwe said the company remains committed to improving transparency and user experience while investing in network infrastructure to support growing demand.

“Our promise is to continue investing in network quality so that every megabyte delivers the experience customers expect,” he said.

MTN maintained that rapid data depletion is largely driven by user habits and modern digital consumption patterns rather than any irregularity on its network.