'We don’t have any desire to steal your data' – MTN CEO Stephen Blewett

Many mobile network customers in Ghana and other countries have a common complaint: “MTN is stealing my data.”

This frustration has been expressed across various telecom providers.

However, MTN Ghana CEO Stephen Blewett wants to clarify this issue. He states there is no data theft and no reason for MTN to engage in such practices.

“I’ve worked in many countries, and every one has said, ‘You’re stealing my data,’” Mr. Blewett said during an interview at MTN House in Accra on April 2.

He insists these allegations are simply untrue.

Mr. Blewett reassured MTN customers that neither he nor the company benefits from any form of data theft.

“I will say this clearly—God is my witness—we have no reason to steal your data,” he declared.

“My bonus depends on revenue. If I steal your data, I can’t declare it,” he explained.

He emphasized that MTN has strong systems that get audited regularly.

Improper billing would be detected and hurt the company's finances.

If MTN isn’t “stealing” data, why do customers feel their data depletes quickly? According to Blewett, the answer lies in network quality and digital platforms adjusting to better connectivity.

“When we improve our network, guess what? Data goes quicker,” he explained.

Platforms like YouTube adjust video quality based on network strength.

“A better network means higher video resolution, which consumes more data,” he stated.

“If you have a good network, it plays higher resolution videos. Guess what happens to your data?” he joked about the classic game Pac-Man consuming dots quickly.

In Ghana, where video streaming is popular, this effect is even stronger.

“In other countries, people use their phones horizontally. But in Ghana, everyone watches YouTube vertically,” he humorously noted.

Regarding billing accuracy concerns, Mr. Blewett reiterated that MTN’s financials are independently audited. This makes it impossible for the company to manipulate customer usage undetected.

“We are independently audited. If something was wrong with our billing, auditors wouldn’t pass us,” he assured customers.

MTN also has a Revenue Assurance Department checking for any billing issues constantly.

“We don’t want revenue leakages or incorrect billing because that would mean non-compliance,” he added.

Mr. Blewett acknowledged some customers may remain skeptical despite his explanations but understands their frustrations as a former customer himself.

“I know people may not be happy to hear this truth,” he said empathetically. “But every country I’ve been to has had similar complaints.”

Ultimately, MTN is not “stealing” data; it’s building a faster network leading to higher consumption rates.

Streaming platforms and social media apps automatically adjust speeds without customers realizing it consumes more data.

Mr. Blewett's message is clear: “We do not desire to steal your data.”

MTN follows strict regulations and undergoes independent audits for transparency in billing practices.