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Airtel Joins MTN in 50% Price Increase for Voice and Data
Airtel Nigeria has announced a significant price increase for its voice and data services, raising rates by 50%. This change comes just a week after MTN Nigeria, the largest telecom operator in the country, made a similar move.
With the new pricing structure, Airtel’s lowest monthly data plan now offers 2GB for ₦1,500, replacing the previous plan that provided 1.2GB for ₦1,000. This means customers will pay more for less data than before. Other adjustments include a 3GB plan now priced at ₦2,000, up from the prior 1.5GB plan that cost ₦1,200. The 4GB option has increased to ₦2,500 from 3GB at ₦1,500, while the 8GB plan now costs ₦3,000 instead of the previous 4.5GB for ₦2,000.
For larger data plans, prices have also risen. The 10GB plan is now ₦4,000, which was previously 6GB for ₦2,500. The 13GB plan now costs ₦5,000 instead of 10GB at ₦3,000. The 18GB plan has increased to ₦6,000 from the earlier price of 15GB for ₦4,000. Finally, the 25GB plan is now priced at ₦8,000, replacing the former 18GB option that cost ₦5,000.
This price hike is part of a larger trend among telecommunications companies in Nigeria following a decision by the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) to approve a 50% tariff increase on January 20, 2025. MTN Nigeria was the first to implement this increase and faced backlash from customers after it raised three of its data plans by more than 50%. Although MTN stated that its adjustments were within the NCC-approved limits and were aimed at removing subsidies from special plans, it later issued an apology to its subscribers due to the negative response.
In addition to data plan increases, Airtel has also introduced a new flat rate of 25 kobo per second for calls. This means that a one-minute call on their network will now cost around ₦15 compared to the previous rate of ₦11. However, it is important to note that these new tariffs do not affect many daily and weekly plans. For instance, customers can still purchase a one-week data package offering 5GB for ₦1,500.
Airtel continues to offer some unlimited plans as well. For example, customers can select a package for ₦20,000 that provides 200GB over 30 days along with an additional 10GB daily after the main data is exhausted. There is also a larger option available for ₦30,000 that gives users 300GB over 30 days.
The recent price hikes by both Airtel and MTN have raised concerns among consumers who are already facing economic challenges in Nigeria. As telecom companies adjust their pricing in response to regulatory changes and market conditions, customers are left wondering how these increases will affect their ability to stay connected in an increasingly digital world.
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