Our reporter
Comments by MTN Nigeria Chief Executive Officer, Karl Toriola, that unlimited mobile data plans do not truly exist have ignited a heated debate online, with Nigerians living abroad sharing screenshots of affordable unlimited data packages available in their countries of residence.
Speaking at a recent event, Toriola argued that mobile network operators cannot sustainably provide unlimited data to all subscribers without compromising service quality.
“The issue of unlimited data on mobile networks: it doesn’t exist anywhere in the world except if you’re paying a fortune. There’s a limit because you can never build enough capacity for everyone to be on an unlimited bundle, and you think you’ll provide a quality of service that is decent,” he said.
However, the remarks were quickly challenged by Nigerians abroad, many of whom took to social media to post evidence of unlimited data plans offered by telecom providers in countries such as the United Kingdom.
Several users claimed that the cost of their unlimited data subscriptions was relatively affordable, with some noting that a month’s subscription could be covered by the equivalent of just a few hours of work at the prevailing minimum wage.
The exchange has reignited discussions over the affordability of internet services in Nigeria, with many users comparing local data costs and network performance with what is obtainable in more developed markets.
While some industry observers backed Toriola’s position, arguing that so-called unlimited plans often come with fair usage policies and speed restrictions, critics insisted that consumers in many countries still enjoy access to far more generous and affordable data packages than those available in Nigeria.
The controversy continues to generate reactions online, highlighting growing consumer concerns about data pricing, network capacity and digital accessibility in Africa’s most populous nation.
