In a recent address at MTN House in Accra, Stephen Blewett, the Chief Executive Officer of MTN Ghana, vehemently denied allegations that the telecom operator intentionally steals customer data. The accusations, which have surfaced in various markets where Blewett has worked, have also been increasingly voiced by Nigerian customers who claim that their data is being unfairly depleted. With over 80 million users in Nigeria, MTN’s operations have come under heightened scrutiny.
Blewett, reflecting on his long tenure in the telecom industry, explained that these types of complaints about data theft are not unique to MTN. “I’ve heard ‘You’re stealing my data’ in every country I’ve worked—not just at MTN,” he remarked, adding that there is no financial incentive for MTN to engage in such practices. He clarified that his personal bonuses depend on declared revenue, and if the company were to steal data, it would be impossible to report accurately, thereby risking his bonus. “If I steal data, I can’t report it—I’d lose my bonus,” Blewett emphasized.
The CEO attributed the rapid depletion of customer data to advancements in network technology, particularly the shift from 3G and 4G to 5G networks, as well as an increase in video streaming. “A better network speeds up data use,” Blewett explained, noting that platforms like YouTube automatically switch to higher resolution when stronger signals are available. He compared this effect to “Pac-Man eating your data” and stated that MTN has no control over such automatic settings.
To assure customers, Blewett also highlighted MTN’s commitment to transparency, emphasizing that the company is independently audited and that billing errors would be flagged by an internal revenue assurance team. “We don’t want revenue leaks or incorrect billing,” he stated, underscoring the company’s dedication to maintaining trust with its customers.
In response to growing concerns over vanishing data, MTN remains focused on improving network efficiency while ensuring billing accuracy to minimize customer dissatisfaction.
