MTN Nigeria and SWIFT Networks Hike Internet Prices Amid Ongoing Telecom Tariff Adjustments

In a significant move affecting Nigeria’s digital landscape, MTN Nigeria has increased data plan prices across the board. The 20GB plan, which previously cost ₦5,500, has been adjusted to ₦7,500. Similarly, the 15GB plan, previously priced at ₦4,500, now costs ₦6,500.

Larger Data Bundles Face Sharper Increases

Larger data packages have experienced more dramatic price hikes. The 90-day 1.5TB plan, which initially cost ₦150,000, now jumps to ₦240,000. The 600GB 90-day plan has also risen from ₦75,000 to ₦120,000, reflecting a substantial increase.

MTN’s Strategy to Keep Grassroots Connected

An MTN Nigeria executive, speaking on the condition of anonymity, expressed that while there was an across-the-board adjustment, not all plans were affected to preserve connectivity for grassroots users. For example, the 2.5GB daily plan at ₦600 remained unchanged.

SWIFT Networks Follows MTN’s Lead

Following MTN’s lead, SWIFT Networks has also increased internet prices by a uniform 50% across all its plans. This rise in prices aligns with the broader strategy of the Nigerian telecom operators to address escalating operational costs.

Ongoing Tariff Adjustments Among Nigerian ISPs

Airtel and Globacom have not yet adjusted their prices. However, a source at Airtel confirmed that the company has introduced a 25 kobo flat rate for all voice calls. Both Airtel and Globacom, along with other operators, are expected to implement the tariff hike later this month.

Tariff Hike Effective Immediately

The tariff hike came into effect on Monday afternoon and impacts both data and voice plans. Some daily plans have also seen slight changes in validity, with a 2-day plan now reducing to 1 day and a 7-day plan now valid for only 6 days.

Regulatory Approval for Tariff Hike

The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) approved the 50% tariff hike on January 20, 2025, after lengthy negotiations with telecom operators. These operators argued that existing tariffs were unsustainable, failing to account for inflation and the devaluation of the Naira. Notably, the telecom sector had been the only industry with unchanged tariffs for an unprecedented 11 years amid record-high inflation.

Impact on Nigerian Consumers

The latest price hikes come as a challenge for Nigerian consumers already grappling with the economic realities of high inflation and currency devaluation. These increases may alter consumer behavior and access to internet services, especially for lower-income households.

Industry Perspectives

A source within the telecom industry suggested that these adjustments aim to stabilize the sector’s financial health, enabling it to invest in infrastructure and services. Despite the price hikes, efforts are being made to protect essential communication services for all users.

*This is a developing story.