MTN Nigeria has explained why many subscribers complain that their internet data finishes quickly, attributing the trend to heavy video consumption, automatic app activities, background downloads and the increasing use of faster mobile networks.
The telecommunications company said modern smartphones and applications consume more data than many users realise, particularly when features such as video autoplay, automatic updates and cloud backups are enabled.
The explanation comes amid growing complaints from Nigerian subscribers who say their data bundles no longer last as long as expected, raising questions about how mobile internet consumption is calculated.
Video Streaming, Social Media Among Major Data Consumers
According to MTN’s technical team, video streaming is one of the biggest contributors to rapid data depletion.
Applications such as TikTok, YouTube, Instagram and Facebook can consume substantial amounts of data, especially when videos automatically play as users scroll through their feeds.
The company explained that some platforms preload content in the background to prevent buffering, meaning data may be consumed even before users deliberately open individual videos.
Video quality also makes a significant difference. High-definition streaming consumes considerably more data than viewing the same content at a lower resolution.
Why 4G and 5G Can Use More Data
MTN also pointed to the growing adoption of 4G and 5G technology as another factor influencing data consumption.
Although faster networks improve browsing and streaming speeds, they also allow applications to deliver higher-quality videos and other content more quickly.
Consequently, users may consume more data within the same period without necessarily spending more time online.
Background Apps and Hotspot Sharing
Other factors identified by MTN include automatic software updates, WhatsApp backups, cloud storage synchronisation and internet sharing through mobile hotspots.
These activities can continue consuming data even when subscribers are not actively browsing.
The company also explained that data usage figures displayed on smartphones may differ from network records because devices and telecommunications systems can measure usage differently.
How Subscribers Can Make Their Data Last Longer
MTN advised subscribers to monitor their consumption and adjust their phone settings to reduce unnecessary data usage.
Some practical steps include:
- Reduce video quality: Choose lower resolutions when streaming on mobile data.
- Disable autoplay: Prevent social media applications from automatically playing videos.
- Restrict background data: Stop applications from consuming data when they are not in use.
- Use Wi-Fi for updates: Configure app updates and cloud backups to run over Wi-Fi.
- Monitor hotspot connections: Turn off mobile hotspots when they are not needed.
- Track consumption: Check app-by-app data usage in phone settings or through the MyMTN NG app.
The Nigerian Communications Commission also advises subscribers experiencing unexplained deductions to contact their service providers for clarification and escalate unresolved complaints to the regulator.
MTN’s explanation highlights how changing smartphone habits and increasingly data-intensive applications are affecting the way Nigerians use mobile internet. However, subscribers who suspect incorrect deductions can still request a review of their usage records.
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