MTN Explains Why Data Drains Faster on Modern Smartphones, Denies ‘Data Theft’ Claims

MTN Nigeria has dismissed widespread allegations that internet data is being unfairly deducted from subscribers’ accounts, insisting that rising complaints about rapid data depletion are largely linked to user behaviour, smartphone settings and the demands of modern digital services.

The clarification was provided during an engagement session with journalists and content creators in Lagos, where the telecommunications company sought to address growing concerns among customers who believe their data bundles disappear faster than expected.

Speaking during the session, MTN’s Senior Manager for Core Network Implementation, Michael Ndukwe, explained that many subscribers fail to fully understand how internet data is consumed, particularly on newer and faster technologies such as 4G and 5G networks.

According to him, the perception that network operators are secretly deducting data often stems from a misunderstanding of how modern applications function and how internet traffic is delivered.

“We usually hear the concern that MTN is stealing my data. I’m here to take you step by step through exactly how your data is used,” Ndukwe said.

Using video streaming platforms as an example, he explained that a device does not consume meaningful data simply by connecting to the network. Rather, significant usage begins only when users request content online.

He noted that before a subscriber accesses the internet, the network performs authentication checks to confirm that the customer is properly registered, has an active data bundle and is authorised to use internet services.

Once those conditions are met, requested content is delivered through data packets which are reassembled on the user’s device.

“Data is not taken from you without your action. When you stream, scroll, download or share, you are using data. It’s as simple as that,” he said.

Ndukwe further explained that data consumption patterns have changed dramatically as mobile technology has evolved.

According to him, while older 2G and 3G networks supported relatively lighter content, modern networks are designed to deliver richer multimedia experiences, resulting in substantially higher data usage.

One of the biggest contributors to rapid data depletion, he said, is video resolution.

He explained that a short 15-second TikTok video viewed in standard definition may consume only two to three megabytes of data, while the same video streamed in high definition could use up to 15 megabytes.

As a result, subscribers who regularly consume high-definition content may exhaust their data bundles much faster than expected.

The MTN official also highlighted the role of auto-play features on popular social media platforms such as TikTok, Facebook Reels and YouTube Shorts.

According to him, many of these applications automatically preload videos in the background to eliminate buffering delays, leading to data consumption even before users intentionally watch specific clips.

“Even before you click a video, they keep changing. Those apps are already downloading content in the background so that there is no buffering,” he explained.

Beyond social media, Ndukwe identified hotspot sharing as another major source of accelerated data usage.

He said subscribers who share their internet connections with friends, family members or multiple devices often underestimate the volume of data being consumed simultaneously.

He also pointed to automatic cloud backups, smartphone synchronisation services and software updates as hidden contributors to data depletion.

Many modern smartphones, he noted, are configured to automatically upload photos, videos and application files to cloud storage services, often running in the background without the user’s immediate awareness.

Similarly, operating system updates and app updates can consume substantial amounts of data, particularly when devices are connected to mobile networks instead of Wi-Fi.

MTN maintained that understanding these factors can help customers better manage their data usage and avoid misconceptions about network billing practices.

The company reiterated that data consumption is accurately measured based on actual usage across its network and encouraged subscribers to monitor device settings and application permissions more closely.