MTN Ghana’s Chief Executive Officer, Stephen Blewett, has firmly rejected ongoing accusations that the telecom giant is stealing customer data, calling the claims unfounded. Speaking to MyJoyOnline, Blewett addressed the persistent concerns that have surfaced not only in Ghana but also in Nigeria, where customers have raised alarms about unexplained data depletion.
Blewett acknowledged that he has faced similar accusations throughout his long career in the telecom industry, saying, “I’ve heard ‘You’re stealing my data’ in every country I’ve worked, not just at MTN.” He passionately asserted, “I swear to God as my witness: we have no reason to steal your data,” in an effort to calm growing suspicions.
The comments come as Nigerian subscribers, who make up MTN’s largest customer base with over 80 million users, have flooded the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) and the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC) with complaints about unexplained data consumption. Customers have demanded an investigation into the matter, fearing that their data is being unfairly depleted.
However, MTN and other telecom operators have denied any wrongdoing, attributing the higher data usage to factors such as the transition from 3G and 4G to 5G networks, as well as an increase in data-heavy activities like video streaming. Blewett also explained that faster and more efficient networks, such as 5G, contribute to quicker data consumption. He added, “YouTube switches to higher resolution on stronger signals, it’s like Pac-Man eating your data. We don’t control that.”
Blewett took the opportunity to further address concerns by explaining that MTN has no financial incentive to engage in data theft. “If I steal data, I can’t report it, I’d lose my bonus,” he said, emphasizing that his bonus is directly tied to the company’s declared revenue. He reassured customers that the company operates with transparency, with regular independent audits and an internal revenue assurance team focused on ensuring billing accuracy.
“We don’t want revenue leaks or incorrect billing,” Blewett concluded, underscoring MTN’s commitment to customer trust and fairness, despite the frustration surrounding disappearing data. As the debate over data usage and telecom transparency continues, MTN aims to set the record straight and maintain confidence in its services.
