MTN explains data consumption, urges Nigerians to optimise phone settings
MTN explains data consumption, urges Nigerians to optimise phone settings
The Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of MTN Nigeria, Mr Karl Toriola, has urged Nigerians to optimise their mobile phone settings to manage data consumption and prevent unnecessary depletion of their data bundles.
Toriola made the plea at the ` Data on Trial` experience organised by MTN Nigeria, on Monday in Abuja.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the event was meant to address public concerns about data consumption and pricing in Nigeria.
Toriola said many factors were responsible for MTN data pricing including operational costs face by mobile telecommunication operators.
According to him, operators incur significant expenses in providing electricity, transportation and other infrastructure required to maintain telecommunications sites.
He said that MTN spent about N4.05 trillion on power in the preceding year, highlighting the cost pressures affecting telecommunications operations.
“Even within the context of data being perceived as more expensive in Nigeria, the UK is the example I was giving.
“Please, understand that in this country, as well as some other African countries, we are providing power and transportation to all our sites.
“The cost of electricity, for instance, is higher here than in the UK,” he said.
He explained that Nigerian operators deployed similar telecommunications equipment and technologies used in Europe and the U.S., including Fourth-Generation (4G) and Fifth-Generation (5G) networks.
The MTN CEO said that “Data on Trial” was designed to enlighten consumers on how phone settings, online activities and application preferences influenced data consumption.
Earlier, the Chairman, House of Representatives Committee on Communications, Mr Peter Akpatason, described the initiative as an opportunity to improve public understanding of data management and address misconceptions about the telecommunications industry.
Akpatason said the demonstration helped consumers understand how data was consumed and the measures they could take to prevent avoidable depletion.
He said the event also challenged the perception that data prices in Nigeria were higher than in other countries.
The lawmaker acknowledged the significant investment in the telecommunications sector, adding, however, that there was room for improved investment to for better service quality.
