MTN pegs call rate at N13.8/minute, apologises for 200% data price hike

As part of the ongoing tariff hike and restructuring, telecommunications firm, MTN has pegged call rate on its pulse bundle at N13.8 per minute from N7.8 per minute, which represents a 76.92 per cent increase.

Checks showed that the rate prior to yesterday, used to be 13k/seconds and N4/SMS, but message that came after calls via the pulse bundle showed new rate of 23k/seconds and N6/SMS. This means by 23k by 60 seconds amounted to N13.8 per minute. Recall that by the January 20, 2025 Federal Government approved 50 per cent tariff hike, the floor price (minimum acceptable price) of calls was pushed to N9.6 per minute from N6.40 and the ceiling price (maximum acceptable price) of calls to N50; the cost of SMS to N6 from N4; and the cost of 1GB of data to N431.25 from N287.5. The average price of calls will be N16.5/minute from N11.

IN a related development, MTN Nigeria apologised to its customers following a backlash that followed the sudden 200 per cent increase in the price of its 15GB weekly digital bundle. MTN admitted the change was unexpected and acknowledged customer dissatisfaction. The company said that it understood how frustrating it must have been for subscribers to wake up to such a significant price adjustment. MTN, which has 84 million subscribers and 51.4 per cent market share, in a message, yesterday, said: “We know how upsetting it must have been to suddenly wake up to a 200 per cent increase on your favourite digital bundle. We could share several reasons and provide explanations, but omo, all that one na story.” “We don cast. We get it and admit it. Let’s just say na mistake. In this love season, don’t stay angry with us. Please forgive and forget. You matter die and we will never stop showing you how much. Let’s continue our relationship. Thank you for your understanding (sic).”

Meanwhile, it has launched a new campaign tagged: ‘Go Make a Difference (Go M.A.D.)’ in Abuja. The new campaign, which is targeted at inspiring residents to take bold steps towards meaningful change, brought together young changemakers, spoken word artists, creatives and everyday Nigerians eager to use their voices to spark transformation. The activation, which is part of MTN’s nationwide movement, encouraged individuals to harness their skills, passions and digital tools to create impact in their communities. From interactive sessions to thought-provoking discussions, the Abuja activation provided a platform for changemakers, entrepreneurs and Nigerians from different facets to share their experiences and ideas on how to make a difference. One of the highlights was a community-driven impact showcase, where individuals shared success stories of transformation, proving that small, consistent efforts can lead to lasting change.

Speaking on the initiative, Senior Manager Sales and Trade Development North, MTN Nigeria, Ohwofasa Obazenu, emphasised the campaign’s vision: “Go M.A.D. is a movement that empowers Nigerians to act. Whether in business, education or social impact, we want people to know that their bold steps can create a ripple effect of change.”