KPMG validates MTN Data Billing accuracy at groundbreaking ‘Data on Trial’ event

Stanley Ihedigbo

Global audit firm KPMG has affirmed that MTN Nigeria’s Data Usage Portal accurately reflects customer data consumption and corresponding charges, providing independent assurance at the telecom giant’s pioneering ‘Data on Trial’ initiative aimed at addressing consumer concerns over data usage and billing.

The event, held in Lagos on Saturday, brought together consumers, media professionals, content creators, technology experts, and independent auditors for an open examination of how data is measured, consumed, and billed across the telecommunications giant’s network.

Speaking at the event, the Chief Executive Officer of MTN Nigeria, Karl Olutokun Toriola, said the initiative was inspired by the company’s belief that customer trust is strengthened when consumers have access to information and are allowed to understand how technology works.

According to him, the event provided a platform for participants to understand the facts surrounding data usage, ask difficult questions, and hear different perspectives on how digital technologies influence data consumption.

“Data on Trial was created based on a simple belief. Trust with our customers grows when they are given access to information and are allowed to make up their minds about it. Today’s event is an opportunity for everyone to understand the facts and the technology that delivers services in real time,” Toriola said.

He noted that as Nigeria’s economy becomes increasingly digital, the role of data in everyday life has become more significant, making it essential for consumers to understand what drives their data usage and how it is measured.

“Data is very important today, and as technology evolves, the quantity of data consumed also evolves. The applications we use, the quality of content we consume, and the increasing number of connected devices all contribute to higher data usage,” he added.

Throughout the engagement, MTN’s technical experts addressed concerns frequently raised by subscribers, including issues relating to rapid data depletion, billing accuracy, background application activity, automatic software updates, cloud synchronisation, video streaming, and multi-device connectivity.

A major highlight of the event was the presentation of an independent verification report by KPMG, which assessed the integrity of MTN’s Data Usage Portal and billing processes.

Presenting the findings, Collins Onah, representing KPMG, disclosed that the firm’s review found complete alignment between customer data usage records and billing information.

“Our analysis captures perfect alignment with what is on the Data Usage Portal and what is charged to customers,” Onah stated.

He explained that the review examined the processes used to capture customer data consumption and reconcile those records with the charges applied to subscriber accounts.

“In conclusion, the Data Usage Portal accurately reflects customer data consumption, and the associated billing is consistent with the usage records captured on the platform,” he said.

The independent findings formed a critical part of the day’s proceedings, offering participants an externally verified assessment of MTN’s data billing system and further reinforcing the company’s commitment to openness and accountability.

The event also featured robust contributions from consumer advocates, digital creators, media professionals, and technology stakeholders, who engaged directly with MTN’s experts on issues affecting consumers’ digital experiences.

By opening its systems and processes to public scrutiny, MTN Nigeria said it aims to deepen consumer understanding, strengthen trust, and promote digital literacy at a time when data has become central to communication, business, education, and everyday life.

MTN Nigeria remains one of Africa’s largest telecommunications service providers, connecting more than 87 million Nigerians and maintaining a leadership position in network coverage, capacity, and innovation since commencing operations in 2001.