Cheap MTN Data Packages as MTN implements tariff hike

MTN implements a 50% tariff increase, raising data charges.

MTN, Nigeria’s largest telecom provider, has begun the gradual implementation of a 50% pricing rise granted by the Nigerian Communications Commission in January. The modification, which can be seen in the new data plan costs, does not affect call and SMS rates for the time being. The pricing changes mostly affect numerous data plans. The 15GB plan now costs N6,500, up from N4,500, while the 20GB plan costs N7,500, up from N5,500.

According to the new list, the 1.5 terabyte 90-day plan has increased in price from N150,000 to N240,000, while the 600GB 90-day plan has increased in price from N75,000 to N120,000. On January 20, the NCC announced the pricing raise, citing growing operational expenses and the need to preserve the long-term viability of the sector.

House urges the NCC and the minister to suspend the proposed increase in telecommunications tariffs.

The House of Representatives has urged the Minister of Communications, Innovation, and Digital Economy, Dr. Bosun Tijani, and the Nigerian Communications Commissions (NCC), to postpone the proposed telecommunications tariff increase until telecommunications firms’ services improve. The House decision came after Hon. Oforji Oboku submitted a motion of urgent public interest in the plenary on Tuesday, urging the NCC not to approve the planned telecommunications pricing rise. Moving the motion, the legislator noted that, during a stakeholders’ meeting with mobile network providers in Abuja on Wednesday, January 8, 2025, Tijani said that telecommunications charges will shortly rise.

He stated that they contended that telecoms require cost-effective pricing in the face of harsh economic realities such as a record inflation rate of 34.6 percent in November 2024 and losses from foreign currency swings. He argued: “It is imperative that the telecommunication companies improve on their service delivery (poor network), which Nigerians have been yearning for in years, before embarking on the increase in their tariffs.”

The lawmaker expressed concern that the far-reaching consequences of these price increases would exacerbate financial hardship for the average Nigerian, jeopardize the country’s vision of leveraging technology to drive economic revival, exacerbate poverty, and widen existing inequalities, disproportionately affecting low-income families. The House’s proposal reads: “Urge the Minister of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy and the Nigerian Communications Commissions to suspend the impending hike in telecommunications tariffs until their service improved.” It also directed its Committee on Telecommunications to verify compliance. 

CHEAP MTN DATA PLAN

1. MTN Night Subscription: Dail *406#, select 3, then select 1. (500MB for 50 Naira, that is 2GB for 200 naira).
2. MTN 400MB Hourly Bundle: Text “126” to 312. this is valid for 1 hour. (400Mb for 100 naira).
3. MTN 2.6GB 2-DAY PLAN: Text “146” to 312. (2.5GB for 600 naira, valid for 2 days).
4. MTN 200MB 3-DAY PLAN: Text “113” to 312. (200MB for 200 naira).