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Airtel Nigeria, recognized as the second-largest telecommunications operator in the nation, has made notable changes to its data pricing model.
A query using the shortcode *312# and a visit to the Airtel website confirmed the updated data prices. As stated on the telecom's website, this adjustment affects various data bundles and seeks to alleviate the burden of rising operational costs on the company's operations against a backdrop of economic challenges.
The new data plans listed on its site include daily options: 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).
In terms of weekly plans, pricing is now 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), along with N500 for 2GB (valid for 2 days).
The monthly plan revisions feature 3GB for N2,000 (previously 1.5GB at N1,200), 4GB for N2,500 (was 3GB at N1,500), and 8GB for N3,000 (formerly 4.5GB at N2,000). Additional modifications consist of 10GB for N4,000 (previously 6GB at N2,500), 13GB for N5,000 (from 10GB at N3,000), 18GB for N6,000 (previously 15GB at N4,000), and 25GB for N8,000 (replacing 18GB at N5,000).
Airtel has also increased call rates to 25 kobo per second, up from around 18 kobo per second. Similar to MTN, Airtel has kept certain tariff plans unchanged, such as the 5GB plan per week for N1,500. This change follows a significant increase in tariffs of approximately 50 percent by MTN Nigeria, implemented nearly a week prior to help manage swelling operational expenses.
Subscribers of Airtel have already started expressing their grievances regarding the price hike on X. One user, Okikiola (@okikiola_Ayoade), commented, “Reverse our data bundles; it's hard to earn money, and this is causing us inconvenience. Data that was 3,000 for 20GB is now 3,000 for 10GB. Why must we suffer for what we are paying for?" Another user, Jessy Paul (@Firstjessy), challenged the telecom over the discontinuation of its previous data offer, asking, “Can you revert it back to what it was, or should I break my Airtel SIM and switch networks?”
Subscriber ShadeFX D BoiCrypt (@ShadeFx__) expressed frustration, stating, “Life is already tough for us, and you chose to make it worse by being inconsiderate. Why increase data plans and make them run out so quickly? What did we do wrong by choosing your network? Does this seem fair to you? Are you pleased? This is cruel.”
In response, Airtel apologized for the inconvenience caused by the price increase. “We sincerely understand your concerns and wish to inform you that we have made comprehensive revisions across our voice and data plans,” Airtel communicated on X.
The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), the sector's regulatory authority, had approved a maximum increment of 50 percent in tariff adjustments for operators, citing the necessity of ensuring the telecommunications industry's sustainability.
The NCC noted that, while acknowledging public concerns, the decision was reached after in-depth consultations with significant stakeholders from both public and private sectors, and was made under its authority in Section 108 of the Nigerian Communications Act, 2003 (NCA).
