Senate Summons MTN and Airtel Over Poor Network and Airtime Loss

The Senate telecom investigation is targeting complaints about poor network services and alleged unfair airtime deductions affecting Nigerian mobile phone users. The Senate has summoned the Nigerian Communications Commission and major operators, including MTN, Airtel, Globacom and T2, to explain the complaints.

BusinessDay reported on November 11, 2026, that the Senate Committee on Communications had been directed to investigate the matter and submit its findings and recommendations within four weeks.

Lawmakers raised concerns that customers may be charged when calls fail to connect or end early because of network problems. They also pointed to repeated attempts to place calls, which can lead to more deductions from a subscriber’s airtime balance.

Why Nigerians Are Complaining About Airtime Deductions

Airtime deductions in Nigeria are a concern for people who depend on their phones for work, school, business and family communication.

When a call fails, customers may have to dial again. If each attempt results in a charge, even a short conversation can cost more than expected.

The problem can be especially frustrating for people who use small amounts of airtime and need to make every naira count. Traders and small business owners may also depend on reliable calls to communicate with customers and suppliers.

The Senate wants the regulator and telecom operators to explain the complaints and identify what can be done to protect subscribers.

What the NCC and Telecom Operators Must Explain

The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) regulates telecommunications services in Nigeria. It is expected to help ensure that operators follow applicable rules and that consumers have a way to report problems.

The Senate committee is expected to examine the complaints, investigate possible financial losses and recommend measures to prevent unfair charges.

Operators may need to explain how their systems handle failed calls, how charges are calculated and what happens when customers report deductions they believe are incorrect.

The investigation does not mean every complaint has already been proven. Its purpose is to establish what is happening and what action may be justified.

How Poor Network Service Affects Daily Life

Poor network service in Nigeria can affect more than phone conversations. Unstable connections can disrupt online classes, mobile banking, work meetings and businesses that depend on messaging or internet access.

Customers may lose time trying to reconnect, while people who rely on their phones for income may struggle to reach customers. Repeated call failures can also make urgent communication more difficult.

Reliable service matters because many Nigerians use mobile networks as their main way to access the internet and communicate with others.

What Subscribers Can Do About Airtime Problems

Consumers experiencing unexplained charges should keep records of the time, amount and circumstances of the deduction. They can contact their network provider’s customer service and request an explanation or complaint reference.

If the issue remains unresolved, subscribers can check the NCC’s official complaint channels for the appropriate next step.

The Senate telecom investigation could lead to stronger consumer protections if the inquiry establishes that subscribers have been charged unfairly. Customers will be watching for the committee’s findings and for practical improvements in network quality and billing.

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