MTN Explains Why Subscribers May Be Using More Data Than Expected

Excerpt: MTN says video quality, smartphone settings and hotspot sharing are among factors that can increase data usage.

MTN Nigeria has said the growing use of high-quality video content, advanced smartphone settings and connected devices are among the reasons many subscribers may be consuming more data than they realise.

The company addressed the issue at a session with journalists and content creators during the week in Lagos, where its engineers and technology teams responded to questions about rapid data depletion and explained how data is measured across its network.

The discussion followed growing concerns from subscribers who have questioned why data appears to run out quickly and why usage figures on their phones sometimes differ from what is recorded by telecom operators.

MTN said internet usage has changed significantly in recent years, with many applications now automatically delivering content in higher quality.

The company demonstrated how platforms such as TikTok, Instagram Reels and YouTube Shorts consume data continuously as users scroll through videos.

According to MTN, faster 4G and 5G networks allow phones to load higher-quality videos more quickly, which can result in greater data consumption. The company said a user may consume more data simply because content is being delivered at a higher quality than before.

MTN also said many modern smartphones are configured to prioritise performance and user experience, often without users adjusting their settings.

“The message here is that the more sophisticated your device is, the likelihood that if you do not touch any of the settings it optimizes toward the best experience,” said David O. Ogunsola, General Manager, Information Technology Operations at MTN Nigeria.

The company further explained that background app activity, cloud synchronisation, automatic updates and hotspot connections can all contribute to data usage even when customers are not actively streaming content.

Micheal (Mike) Ndukwe, General Manager, Network Performance and Quality Assurance at MTN Nigeria, said subscribers should pay closer attention to how their devices are being used.

“Data is not taken from you without your action; when you stream, scroll, download or share, you’re using data, it’s as simple as that,” he said.

Ndukwe also pointed to hotspot sharing as a factor many users overlook.

“Hotspot is something we hardly check. You also need to check who you hotspot at home cause that will also consume your data,” he added.

MTN also sought to explain why usage figures displayed on mobile phones may not always match those recorded by network systems. The company said phones typically measure data from the application or device perspective, while network systems account for the total traffic required to deliver content across the network.

According to MTN, small differences between the two records are normal and do not necessarily mean a customer has been wrongly charged.

The company said it plans to continue educating customers on how data is consumed and how device settings, applications and online behaviour can affect the lifespan of a data bundle. (Arise News)