Speaking at MTN House in Accra, Blewett emphasized that such allegations are not new to him or the industry.
“I’ve heard ‘You’re stealing my data’ in every country I’ve worked—not just at MTN,” he stated, dismissing the claims as misconceptions. “I swear to God as my witness: we have no reason to steal your data.”
Widespread Complaints in Nigeria
His comments align with similar frustrations surfacing in Nigeria, where subscribers of MTN—the country’s largest telecom provider with over 80 million users—have voiced their dissatisfaction. Many have flooded the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) and the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC) with complaints, demanding a formal investigation into what they perceive as unfair data depletion.
Operators, including MTN Nigeria, have denied any wrongdoing, attributing increased data consumption to evolving network technologies.
The Case for Faster Networks
According to Blewett, improved network infrastructure is the primary reason customers experience faster data usage, rather than deliberate tampering by telecom providers.
“A better network speeds up data use,” he explained. “YouTube switches to higher resolution on stronger signals—it’s like Pac-Man eating your data. We don’t control that.”
He pointed out that as customers transition from 3G and 4G to 5G networks, data consumption naturally rises due to higher-speed connections and increased media streaming.
Transparency and Oversight
To counter concerns of unethical practices, Blewett underscored MTN’s commitment to financial transparency and regulatory compliance.
“We’re independently audited—billing errors would fail our financials,” he assured, highlighting that the company’s internal revenue assurance team consistently monitors for discrepancies.
Additionally, he dismissed the notion that MTN could profit from data theft, clarifying that his own financial incentives are tied to declared revenue.
“If I steal data, I can’t report it—I’d lose my bonus,” he noted, reiterating that revenue must be properly documented and audited.
Addressing Consumer Distrust
Despite these explanations, the debate over data depletion remains a sensitive issue among telecom users in both Ghana and Nigeria. With digital consumption increasing and reliance on mobile internet growing, customers continue to seek clearer accountability from service providers.
While MTN insists on its integrity, consumer advocacy groups are pushing for greater oversight and transparency in telecom billing practices. As the industry evolves, the pressure remains on operators to not only deliver faster connections but also reassure users that their data is being handled fairly.