MTN Nigeria’s Chief Executive Officer, Karl Toriola, has declared that truly unlimited data plans are unrealistic on mobile networks, warning that no operator can sustainably deliver quality service if every customer enjoys unrestricted access at low prices.
Toriola made the remarks on Saturday during a press conference titled “Data on Trial” held in Lagos, where he addressed growing consumer demand for affordable unlimited internet packages amid concerns over data pricing.
“The issue of unlimited data on mobile network, it does not exist anywhere in the world, except you are paying $400 a month or whatever,” Toriola said. “There are high bundles and fair usage policies. On mobile networks, it does not really exist. There is a limit, because you can never build enough capacity for everyone to be on an unlimited bundle and you think you will provide quality service that will be decent.”
The MTN boss stressed that network operators face the difficult task of balancing affordability with the enormous capital investments required to expand and maintain robust telecommunications infrastructure.
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To illustrate his point, Toriola drew a parallel with the aviation sector: “If you decide to give everybody in Nigeria unlimited local air tickets for N200,000 in a month, do you think the airline industry will survive? It won’t. It doesn’t work that way. We cannot give unlimited as much as we desire it. We won’t be able to build the network that people would be able to use in what way whatsoever. That is the reality.”
His comments come as Nigerian consumers continue to push for more affordable and flexible data offerings in a market where mobile internet has become essential for daily life, business, and education. Industry observers note that while operators provide various data bundles, strict fair usage policies are typically applied to higher-volume plans to protect network performance.
