…Accusations of data theft surface in Nigeria and Ghana
The CEO of MTN Ghana, Stephen Blewett, has strongly refuted accusations that the telecom giant is intentionally stealing customer data, a complaint he says he’s encountered in every market throughout his career. Speaking from MTN’s Accra headquarters, Blewett responded to growing concerns, particularly in Nigeria, where customers have flooded regulatory bodies with complaints of unexplained data depletion.
Network Advancements, Not Malpractice, to Blame for High Data Use
In response, Blewett dismissed the notion that the company is siphoning off data, attributing the issue to network advancements rather than malicious intent. “I’ve heard ‘You’re stealing my data’ in every country I’ve worked, not just at MTN,” said Blewett, emphasizing that there is no incentive for the company to steal data. He further explained that his financial bonuses are directly tied to declared revenue, making any form of data manipulation counterproductive.
Blewett also pointed to the recent shift from 3G and 4G networks to 5G, as well as the surge in video streaming, as key factors driving higher data usage. “A better network speeds up data use,” he explained, adding that platforms like YouTube automatically adjust to higher resolutions on stronger connections, leading to quicker data consumption.
Commitment to Transparency and Accountability
To ensure transparency and accountability, Blewett highlighted MTN’s rigorous oversight systems, including regular independent audits and a dedicated internal team focused on preventing billing discrepancies. “We don’t want revenue leaks or incorrect billing,” he stated, reinforcing the company’s commitment to upholding customer trust amid the ongoing concerns.
