MTN Ghana Denies Stealing Customer Data – Explains Why Data Runs Out Faster

In recent weeks, MTN Ghana has faced growing complaints from customers who allege that their mobile data is being depleted at an unusually rapid rate, with many subscribers accusing the telecom giant of deliberately stealing their data. However, the company has strongly denied these claims, attributing the increased data consumption to network improvements and changing user behavior rather than any malicious activity.

Customer Complaints Spark Outrage

Across social media platforms like X (formerly Twitter) and Facebook, MTN subscribers in both Ghana and Nigeria have voiced their frustrations over what they describe as “disappearing data.” Many claim that their data bundles, which previously lasted for days or weeks, now exhaust within hours or minutes of usage.

One Ghanaian customer, @danmclaryea, tweeted:
“My data was lost from my phone. I sent my number [to MTN], still nothing has been done. What’s happening?”

Another user, @hazel_ivyd, reported:
“Ei, you people have shown me something I don’t understand. 6GB gone in 45 minutes of watching a movie!”

Similar complaints have emerged in Nigeria, where subscribers have even called on regulators—the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) and the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC)—to investigate MTN’s data billing practices.

MTN’s Response: “We Do Not Steal Data”

MTN Ghana’s CEO, Stephen Blewett, addressed these concerns during a recent company event in Accra. He firmly dismissed the allegations, stating that the idea of telecom operators intentionally depleting customer data is a widespread misconception.

“I’ve heard ‘You’re stealing my data’ in every country I’ve worked, not just at MTN,” Blewett said. “I swear to God as my witness: we have no reason to steal your data. If I steal data, I can’t report it, I’d lose my bonus.”

He emphasized that MTN’s revenue assurance systems are regularly audited by independent bodies to ensure accurate billing, making it impossible for the company to manipulate data usage records without detection.

Why Is Data Running Out Faster?

Blewett explained that the primary reason for accelerated data consumption is the ongoing shift from 3G to 4G and 5G networks. Faster internet speeds enable higher-quality streaming, automatic app updates, and background data usage—all of which consume more data than before.

“A better network speeds up data use,” he said. “YouTube switches to higher resolution on stronger signals, it’s like Pac-Man eating your data. We don’t control that.”

Other factors contributing to rapid data depletion include:

• Background app activity (e.g., social media apps refreshing content automatically).
• Cloud backups and syncing (e.g., Google Photos uploading in the background).
• Software updates (e.g., phones downloading system updates without user notice).

MTN’s Efforts to Address Customer Concerns

To maintain transparency, MTN has implemented several measures:

1. Revenue Assurance Checks – An internal team monitors billing systems to prevent errors.
2. Customer Support Investigations – Subscribers can report discrepancies for review.
3. Public Awareness Campaigns – Educating users on managing data usage effectively.

Despite these efforts, some customers remain skeptical, particularly in Nigeria, where recent telecom tariff hikes have intensified scrutiny. MTN Nigeria has responded to complaints by advising users to:

• Disable auto-updates.
• Restrict background data for non-essential apps.
• Monitor usage via the MyMTN app.

Regulatory and Consumer Reactions

Consumer protection agencies in both Ghana and Nigeria are monitoring the situation. In Nigeria, where MTN recently increased data prices by up to 50%, subscribers have demanded regulatory intervention.

“MTN data prices are too high now,” tweeted Raye, a Nigerian youth corps member. “Every Nigerian should report MTN to the FCCPC. Flood them with complaints!”

Conclusion: A Clash of Perceptions vs. Technology

While MTN maintains that data depletion is a natural consequence of improved networks, customers feel cheated by the sudden change in consumption rates. The dispute highlights a broader communication gap between telecom providers and users regarding how modern data services work.

For now, MTN continues to urge subscribers to track their usage closely and adjust settings to conserve data. However, unless regulators step in with an independent audit, the debate over whether data is being “stolen” or simply “used faster” is unlikely to be settled to everyone’s satisfaction.