Airtel Nigeria has announced an increase in its data prices across various plans. The hike aims to address rising operational costs amid challenging economic conditions.
Airtel Nigeria, the country’s second-largest telecommunications provider, has announced a major update to its data pricing structure.
A check by the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) using the *312# code and on Airtel’s website revealed the revised data prices.
According to the telco’s website, the adjustments, which affect various data bundles, are designed to help offset the rising operational costs the company faces amid a challenging economic environment.
The updated data plans listed on Airtel’s website include the following daily plans: N50 for 40MB (valid for 1 day), N100 for 100MB (valid for 1 day), N200 for 200MB (valid for 3 days), and N350 for 1GB (valid for 1 day).
The revised weekly plans are as follows: N350 for 350MB (valid for 7 days), N500 for 750MB plus 1GB YouTube Night and 200MB YouTube Music/Spotify (valid for 7 days), N500 for 1GB plus 1GB YouTube Night and 50MB Socials (valid for 7 days), and N500 for 2GB (valid for 2 days).
For monthly plans, there are new prices: 3GB for N2,000 (up from 1.5GB for N1,200), 4GB for N2,500 (previously 3GB for N1,500), and 8GB for N3,000 (formerly 4.5GB for N2,000).
Other changes include 10GB for N4,000 (previously 6GB for N2,500), 13GB for N5,000 (up from 10GB for N3,000), 18GB for N6,000 (formerly 15GB for N4,000), and 25GB for N8,000 (replacing 18GB for N5,000).
Additionally, Airtel’s call rates have increased to 25 kobo per second, up from around 18 kobo per second. However, certain plans, such as the 5GB per week for N1,500, remain unchanged.
This change follows a similar tariff hike by MTN Nigeria, which raised prices by approximately 50 percent last week, in an effort to cope with rising operational costs.
NAN also reports that many subscribers expressed their dissatisfaction with the price increases. One subscriber, Okikiola (@okikiola_Ayoade), vented on X, “Return our data bundles back. It’s not easy to make money, and now you are inconveniencing us. Data that used to be 20GB for N3,000 is now only 10GB for the same price. Why are we suffering for what we are paying for?”
Another user, Jessy Paul (@Firstjessy), criticized Airtel for discontinuing its previous data offer, stating that the only reason he used Airtel was because its plans were affordable. “Can you change it back to what it used to be, or should I break my Airtel SIM and switch to another network?” he asked.
A third user, ShadeFX D BoiCrypt (@ShadeFx__), expressed frustration, saying, “Life is already hard for us, and now you’re making it worse. Why increase data plans and make them run out so fast? Is it fair? Are you happy with what you’re doing?”
In response to the backlash, Airtel issued an apology on its X page, acknowledging the concerns of its subscribers. “We sincerely understand your concerns, and we want to inform you that significant revisions have been made to our voice and data plans,” the company stated.
The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), the country’s regulatory body, had approved a maximum 50 percent tariff increase for telecom operators, citing the need to ensure the sustainability of the industry. The NCC explained that this decision was based on prevailing operational costs and was made under Section 108 of the Nigerian Communications Act, 2003 (NCA). While acknowledging public concerns, the commission emphasized that the decision followed extensive consultations with stakeholders in both the public and private sectors.
The Guardian
