MTN Subscribers Outraged as Network Restores Borrowed Airtime After System Error

Many MTN subscribers in Nigeria were left disappointed and angry after the network operator restored the airtime they had borrowed and cleared due to a system error. The error, which occurred on Saturday morning, had caused some subscribers to rejoice as they saw their outstanding balances reduced to zero.

According to some reports, the error affected subscribers who had used the MTN XtraTime service, which allows them to borrow airtime and data and pay back later with a service charge. Some of the subscribers had borrowed as much as N10,000 and were surprised to see their debts wiped out by the glitch.

However, their joy was short-lived as MTN later fixed the error and reinstated the borrowed airtime and data to their accounts. Some of the subscribers took to social media to express their frustration and dissatisfaction with the network.

They accused MTN of being unfair and insensitive to their plight, especially in the midst of the economic hardship caused by high fuel rates and others.

Some of them also threatened to switch to other network providers or sue MTN for breach of contract. They argued that MTN had no right to restore the borrowed airtime and data after they had cleared them, as it amounted to double charging them.

MTN, on the other hand, has issued an official statement on the matter, saying that the error was a technical issue.

MTN said customers’ balance was affected by a system glitch impacting balance enquiries.

The firm, however, assured customers of total restoration of their balances as soon as the company’s engineers resolved the glitch.

“MTN Nigeria Communications Plc can confirm a system glitch impacting balance enquiries. As a result, some customers may receive error messages showing that their balances have been cleared,” the network provider said.

 “This is not the case and all balances will reflect accurate figures once the problem is resolved. Our engineers are currently working to ensure this.

“Please accept our apologies. We regret the inconvenience.”

MTN also advised the subscribers to always check their balances before making calls or using data and to avoid borrowing more than they can afford to pay back.

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