MTN Nigeria has said the growing demand for affordable unlimited internet access cannot be sustainably supported on mobile networks due to capacity limitations and the high cost of expanding telecommunications infrastructure.
Speaking in Lagos, MTN Nigeria Chief Executive Officer, Karl Olutokun Toriola, explained that mobile operators must strike a balance between affordability and service quality. He noted that offering low cost unlimited data plans could place significant pressure on network resources, leading to congestion and a decline in user experience.
According to Toriola, truly unlimited mobile data plans are rare globally and are typically offered only at premium prices. He stressed that continuous investment in network infrastructure and spectrum acquisition is necessary to meet rising demand for digital services, making cheap unlimited data commercially impractical.
Despite the operators’ position, consumers continue to advocate for lower data costs and larger data allowances as internet access becomes increasingly essential for work, education, business and entertainment. MTN said it will continue to engage customers while improving transparency around data usage and billing practices.