Telecom
ACTIS Threatens MTN with Loss of 80m Subscribers if It Hikes Tariff
Association of Telephone Cable TV And Internet Subscribers of Nigeria (ATCIS), has warned MTN Nigeria, the largest mobile network operator in Nigeria, to desist from increasing its tariffs or else it will lose about 80 million customers who have subscribe to its services in the country.
Recall that MTN recently raised alarms over a potential shutdown if tariffs are not increased to address rising operational costs.
Karl Toriola, chief executive officer, had highlighted that the telecommunications sector is facing severe financial strain, especially from escalating diesel prices required to power base transceiver stations.
But Sina Bilesanmi, national president of ATCIS, said the service shut down would not affect its subscribers, urging the telco to desist from threatening its customers.
According to him, “when ATCIS saw it on Tuesday, I shared it on the ICAF platform, ATCIS wrote MTN CEO to go ahead with the 80 million+ subscribers, but have promised them with their association body, with the power of the ATCIS Masses being the National President of telecom subscribers in Nigeria, if MTN try it, that may be the end of MTN.”
MTN claimed it has invested N2.6 billion in corporate social responsibility, according to its 2023 Sustainability Report, is currently operating on profits accumulated over two decades. However, he stressed that this is unsustainable.
“We must return the industry to profitability,” Toriola emphasized, adding that the company’s reserves are depleting.
Earlier this year, telecom operators called for the first tariff hike in 11 years, citing the need to manage rising costs and maintain service quality. Without such an increase, they warned, the financial viability of the sector, along with service standards, would continue to decline.
Toriola also pointed out that MTN, once one of Nigeria’s top corporate taxpayers, has seen its tax contributions decline due to the financial challenges. In the first half of 2024, MTN reported a staggering N519.1 billion loss, largely attributed to foreign exchange losses from the naira’s devaluation and high inflation.
In addition, Toriola revealed that MTN may suspend Unstructured Supplementary Service Data (USSD) banking services due to a N250 billion debt owed by Nigerian banks. “We are seeking regulatory approval to halt support for USSD services used for banking transactions unless the debt is resolved and tariffs are adjusted,” he said.
Association of Licensed Telecommunications Operators of Nigeria (ALTON) has announced a temporary disruption in SIM-related services across all mobile networks in the country.
The disruption, according to a statement on Wednesday, follows a directive from the National Identity Management Commission (NIMC), mandating mobile network operators (MNOs) to migrate to a new identity verification platform.
ALTON said the transition had triggered unforeseen technical challenges, affecting services such as SIM registration, replacement, and mobile number portability.
“While the new platform is intended to enhance the integrity and efficiency of identity management in Nigeria, unfortunately, the transition has temporarily impacted service delivery,” the association stated.
It added that MNOs would not be able to support SIM swaps, new activations, and related services until the issues are resolved.
ALTON noted that its members are working closely with the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), NIMC, and other stakeholders to restore normalcy.
The association appealed for public understanding and urged subscribers to delay visits to service centers for SIM-related matters.
“We sincerely apologise for the inconvenience and will continue to provide timely updates,” the statement read.
ALTON reaffirmed its commitment to delivering secure and quality telecommunications services to Nigerians.
In a significant development for telecommunications subscribers across Nigeria, MTN Nigeria has unveiled an extensive consumer promotion, the “MTN Mega Billion Promo,” poised to create 195 new millionaires within a 12-week (three-month) period. The initiative, which will reward over 5000 Nigerians with cash prizes, is strategically timed to mitigate the effects of recent tariff adjustments and enhance customer loyalty.
The “Mega Billion Promo” represents a substantial investment by the mobile network operator. Beyond the 195 millionaires, the promotion is set to reward a total of 5,460 winners, underscoring MTN’s commitment to delivering tangible value to its broad customer base.
Dr. Karl Toriola, CEO of MTN Nigeria, articulated the company’s rationale behind the initiative. “We are acutely aware of the evolving needs of our customers, particularly amidst the prevailing economic conditions,” Dr. Toriola stated. “The MTN Mega Billion Promo is a direct response, demonstrating our unwavering commitment to their financial empowerment and ensuring they continue to derive substantial value from our services. This is a clear testament to our customer-centric philosophy.”
The prize architecture of the promo includes daily cash rewards, a N5 million JACKPOT prize during weekday draws, and a culminating N10 million JACKPOT prize every Saturday. A notable aspect of the promotion is the exclusive disbursement of all cash prizes through MoMo PSB, MTN’s Payment Service Bank. This mechanism is anticipated to significantly advance financial inclusion efforts across the nation.
Commenting on the strategic importance of this integration, Onyinye Ikenna-Emeka, Chief Marketing Officer of MTN Nigeria, remarked, “The MTN Mega Billion Promo transcends a mere reward scheme; it is a strategic endeavour to financially empower our customers and foster deeper engagement with our digital financial services, specifically through MoMo PSB. By leveraging MoMo PSB for prize disbursements, we are not only streamlining the process for our winners but also significantly expanding financial accessibility for millions of Nigerians.”
Participation is free and open to all MTN subscribers aged 18 and above. Customers can opt in through the following channels: USSD: Dial *900#; MyMTN App: Use the Mega Billion section to opt in and track entries; SMS: Text ‘MEGA’ to 900; and via Web: Visit https://mtnmegabillion.com and click subscribe.
Once in, every recharge of N100 or more made via bank channels, VTU, myMTN NG, MoMo, USSD, or Logical Pins automatically qualifies the subscriber for daily and weekly draws. Winners will be selected using a random number selector, based on accumulated points from recharge frequency and amount.
Daily excitement draws will be streamed live across Instagram Live, YouTube Live, and Facebook Live, ensuring transparency and daily engagement, and allowing participants to witness the selection process in real time. Winners will be notified through official MTN channels, and public announcements will be made only with their consent.
The MTN Mega Billion Promo delivers on MTN’s brand promise to provide customers with value, excitement and empowerment, especially in a time of economic change.
The Association of Licensed Telecommunications Operators of Nigeria (ALTON) has attributed temporary disruption affecting SIM-related services across all mobile networks in Nigeria to a recent directive from the National Identity Management Commission (NIMC), mandating our Mobile Network Operators (MNOs) members to transit to a new identity verification platform.
In a statement signed by Engr. Gbenga Adebayo, chairman, ALTON, explained that the migration process, which directly impacts real-time identity verification required for SIM registration, SIM replacement, Mobile Number Portability (MNP), and other related services, has introduced unforeseen technical challenges that are currently affecting service availability nationwide.
“While the new platform is intended to enhance the integrity and efficiency of identity management in Nigeria, unfortunately, the transition has temporarily impacted the ability of MNOs to deliver seamless SIM-related services.
“During this period, MNOs will not be able to support, SIM Swap, SIM replacement, activation of new subscribers and other SIM-related services,” the statement noted.
ALTON however, assured that its member companies remain fully committed to regulatory compliance and are working closely with the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), NIMC, and other relevant authorities to resolve the integration issues as quickly as possible.
“We understand the inconvenience this may cause to millions of subscribers who depend on these services for communication, business, and daily activities. We sincerely apologize for the disruption and kindly advise subscribers to postpone visits to service centers for SIM related transactions until further notice.
“We will continue to provide timely updates as the situation evolves and remains committed to ensuring the delivery of secure, reliable, and high-quality telecommunications services to all Nigerians,” ALTON stated.
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