By Deborah Sanusi
Nigeria’s largest telecom operator, MTN, has issued a public apology to its customers following widespread complaints about a sudden 200% increase in the price of its popular 15GB data bundle.
The price hike where internet subscribers will have to pay N6,000 for a 15GB weekly data plan which is a 200% increase from the previous N2,000, took many customers by surprise, and led to an outrage from customers on social media on Wednesday.
In message shared on social media on Thursday, MTN in an informal, conversational tone acknowledged the frustration of its customers, and sought to address the growing discontent among users who had grown accustomed to the affordable rates previously offered.
The message read, “To our 15G digital bundle lovers. You dey vex. We know. We know how upsetting it must have been to suddenly wake up to a 200% 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.”
MTN continued the apology by urging customers not to stay angry saying, “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.”
For now, only MTN has increased prices, but Airtel and Globacom are expected to follow after the Nigerian Communications Commission approved a 50 percent tariff increase in January.
The Nigeria Labour Congress has, however, condemned the implementation of a 50 per cent tariff hike by telecommunication companies, demanding an immediate reversal.
