From all indications, Glo might be short-changing millions of its customers in Nigeria by advertising false data plans with a view to defraud unsuspecting subscribers.
TheNewsGuru.com (TNG) recalls the Minister of Communications and Digital Economy, Dr Ali Isa Pantami recently directed the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) to compel telcos to reduce the cost of data in the country.
Pantami had argued that the price of mobile data in Nigeria is not encouraging considering the cost of living in Nigeria and the over 170 Million internet users in the country.
The Minister pointed out that there were numerous complaints from Nigerians regarding illegal data deduction and high price of data, adding that he had personally experienced illegal data deduction.
Following the directive to reduce the cost of data, some telecom operators, including Glo, introduced new data packages, with Glo promising 25% bonus on its data plans to lure customers.
With the 25% bonus on its data plans, Glo customers are made to believe they are getting more, but a careful observation by TNG showed that Glo had not been true to its promise of 25% bonus for customers who renewed their data subscription within 7 days of expiration.
…and getting 5GB instead. How do you explain this? @GloCare @NgComCommission pic.twitter.com/ngHJLp5y9i
— Oyibo of Abuja (@oyiboediri) December 8, 2019
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TNG found out that customers who renewed their data subscription within 7 days after data expiration get the same data plan as customers who do not renew after 7 days.
Customers who are patient enough to speak with Glo customer representative are eventually given the 25% bonus data, while unsuspecting customers are left with less data when they actually feel they have more, resulting to quick data expiration.
With quick data depletion and quick data expiration, customers can subscribe up to 5 monthly data plans in one month.
When Glo was contacted for the 25% bonus alongside side other telcos for quick data depletion, the telcos denied any wrongdoing, while also denying reports that they were engaged in illegal deductions of customers data.
They argued that updates, downloads and some other activities on smartphones were responsible for unaccounted depletion of data.
We empathize. You didn't meet the renewal condition of 7 days. Previous plan expired on 10/11/2019 03:42:02 while new plan was bought on 08/12/2019 15:04:20. Thanks. ~SG
— Glo (@GloCare) December 8, 2019
Hello @oyiboediri, all inconveniences regretted. Please be informed that while we offer data and validity, the extent to which your data lasts is dependent on your usage. However, you may provide your mobile number via DM for proper assistance. Thank you. ^Wole. https://t.co/m2owXD2PxO
— airtel_care (@airtel_care) December 21, 2019
The Ministry of Communications and Digital Economy has, however, vowed not to fold hands about ensuring the issues bothering on quick data depletion and cost of data were resolved.
We will, thank you.
— Fed. Min. of Comms, Innovation & Digital Economy (@FMCIDENigeria) December 21, 2019