Rev. Numfor Godwin, Presbyterial Secretary for Tubah/Boyo Presbytery and Webmaster of the Presbyterian Church in Cameroon, has launched a public outcry against what he describes as “unfair and exploitative data practices” by major telecommunications operators in the country.
In a strongly worded petition, Rev. Numfor accused MTN Cameroon and Orange Cameroon of subjecting millions of subscribers to unexplained, rapid data depletion.
According to him, bundles that once lasted several hours or days now vanish within minutes even without heavy internet use such as video streaming or downloading.
“This is not an isolated problem; it is a national outcry,” he stated. “A disturbing phenomenon is unfolding in which consumers are unfairly stripped of their data, and no clear explanations are provided.”
Technical Glitch or Deliberate Exploitation?
The cleric, who is also a daily internet user, raised two pressing questions: Is this rapid data exhaustion the result of technical failures, or a calculated move to maximize profits at the expense of already struggling consumers?
“If it is a system error, then MTN and Orange must urgently clarify and correct it. But if this is deliberate, then it amounts to exploitation of millions of Cameroonians,” he warned.
Call for Regulatory Action
Rev. Numfor urged the Telecommunications Regulatory Board (TRB) and oversight institutions to step in, investigate, and hold the operators accountable.
He also appealed to civil society, consumer rights groups, and legal practitioners to rally behind ordinary citizens in demanding fair digital access.
His petition further calls for restitution for subscribers who may have been exploited through these practices.
Data as a Public Necessity
Highlighting the growing importance of digital connectivity, Rev. Numfor Godwin emphasized that internet access is no longer a luxury but a necessity for communication, education, business, and national development.
“Cameroon cannot achieve its digital goals while its citizens are continuously exploited by service providers,” he declared, urging collective action.
A Growing Consumer Movement
The cleric’s intervention adds to mounting frustration among Cameroonians who rely on mobile data for daily activities. Social media platforms are awash with complaints of abnormal data depletion, sparking debates about transparency and consumer rights in the telecom sector.
Rev. Numfor has now called on citizens to unite, sign petitions, and speak with one voice to demand accountability from telecom operators.
“Say no to data exploitation. Say yes to fair usage,” his petition reads, underlining a push for digital justice.
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