MTN Nigeria has raised the prices of its internet plans to implement the 50% tariff increase approved by the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) in January. The revised prices now include a 1.8GB monthly plan for ₦1,500, replacing the previous 1.5GB plan priced at ₦1,000, according to an updated price list seen by TechCabal.

The 20GB plan has been adjusted to ₦7,500, up from ₦5,500, while the 15GB plan now costs ₦6,500, a rise from ₦4,500. Larger bundles have seen more significant increases, with the 90-day 1.5TB plan jumping from ₦150,000 to ₦240,000, and the 600GB 90-day plan increasing from ₦75,000 to ₦120,000.

According to an MTN Nigeria executive, the price adjustment is not a straightforward 50% increase across all plans. Instead, the company has made an across-the-board adjustment to ensure that some plans remain unchanged to keep the grassroots connected. For instance, the 2.5GB daily plan at ₦600 has not been affected.

SWIFT Networks has also increased its internet prices by 50% across the board. Meanwhile, Airtel and Globacom have yet to adjust their prices. However, a source at Airtel confirmed that the company had introduced a 25 kobo flat rate for all voice calls. Both Airtel and Globacom, along with other operators, are expected to implement the tariff hike later this month.

The NCC approved the 50% tariff hike on January 20, 2025, following years of negotiations with telecom operators, who argued that the existing tariffs were unsustainable and didn't account for inflation and the devaluation of the Naira. The telecom sector had been the only industry with unchanged tariffs for 11 years despite inflation hitting record highs.

The adjustments took effect on Monday afternoon, impacting data and voice plans. However, some daily plans have seen slight changes in validity. For example, a 2-day plan has been reduced to 1 day, while a 7-day plan is now valid for only 6 days.

The implications of this tariff hike are far-reaching, with consumers likely to feel the pinch of increased internet costs. The move is expected to have a significant impact on the telecom industry, with operators seeking to balance their revenue needs with the affordability concerns of their customers.

As the industry continues to evolve, it remains to be seen how this tariff hike will affect the competitive landscape of Nigeria's telecom market. One thing is certain, however: consumers will be closely watching the developments and adjusting their internet habits accordingly.