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Business Insider
2 days ago
- Business
- Business Insider
Internet usage in Nigeria dips as tariff cost spikes
Nigeria's telecommunications sector has faced its fair share of complications over the last year. From loss projections to tariff hikes, the country's economic challenges appear to be creating a ripple effect. The Nigerian telecommunications sector has endured economic challenges, prompting tariff increases and impacting data usage. Internet utilization fell from January to April 2025, attributed to a 50% hike in data tariffs instituted in February. Telecommunication companies like MTN Nigeria reported solid revenue growth despite reduced data consumption among citizens. According to recent data given by the Nigerian Communications Commission, total internet usage decreased from 1,000,930.60 terabytes in January to 983,283.43 terabytes in April, marking a 1.76 percent fall over the three months. The dip in data usage is a result of the NCC's decision to increase data tariffs by 50%. Some of the rough estimates show that under the revised pricing, the 1.8GB monthly plan now costs ₦1,500, replacing the previous 1.5GB plan that was priced at ₦1,000. The 20GB plan has increased to ₦7,500 from ₦5,500, while the 15GB plan now costs ₦6,500, up from ₦4,500. Larger data bundles have seen even steeper increases. The 90-day 1.5TB plan has jumped from ₦150,000 to ₦240,000, while the 600GB 90-day plan has risen from ₦75,000 to ₦120,000. These price jumps, since it was implemented back in February, have resulted in less data usage as Nigerians struggle with an economy that has triggered inflationary pressures across multiple sectors. This dip in usage is also notwithstanding the fact that in April, the top telecommunications company in the country, MTN Nigeria, recorded revenue of N1 trillion in the first quarter of 2025, marking a 40.5% year-on-year increase from the N752.9 billion posted in Q1 2024. Data analyzed, as seen in the Punch, month-over-month, reveals a dramatic decline in utilization just after the fee was implemented. The amount of internet usage in February was 893,054.80 terabytes, which was 10.8% less than in January. March's figures rebounded to 995,876.10 terabytes, while in April, data usage dropped by 12,592.67 terabytes. Major telecom operators in Nigeria, including MTN, Airtel, and 9Mobile, have long lobbied for price modifications to reflect economic reality. Despite rising operating expenses caused by inflation, telecom companies have been unable to raise prices for more than a decade. This, however, has not sat well with the country's general populace as they continue to suffer one of the country's worst economic hits, using the same inflationary concerns the telecom industry alluded to. By the end of 2024, when the conversations on tariff hikes were heating up, the country's inflation rate had climbed to 32.47%, from the 29.90% levels it began the year with. At the time, reports indicated that telecommunications operators could face a $11.3 billion revenue loss between 2022 and 2026, resulting from a delay in the tariff hikes, which had persisted for 11 years. In 2022, telecom firms had demanded a 40% tariff increase.
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Business Standard
2 days ago
- Automotive
- Business Standard
Harrier.ev in driver's seat as Tata Motors eyes 50% market share in EVs
Tata Motors (TML), the leader in India's electric passenger vehicle market, is betting on its new off-roader electric high SUV, the Harrier EV, along with other offerings in the entry and mid-level EV segments, to sustain over a 50 per cent share of India's 100,000-unit EV market. The market is expected to grow by more than 50 per cent in 2025-26, crossing the 150,000-unit mark. The company also claimed it does not face any immediate crisis from the rare-earth metals supply disruption from China. The Harrier EV, aggressively priced with a starting price of Rs 21.49 lakh, is expected to compete with Mahindra & Mahindra's XUV 9e, which starts at Rs 21.9 lakh. Speaking to Business Standard, Tata Motors Passenger Vehicle and Tata Passenger Electric Mobility Managing Director Shailesh Chandra said the SUV segment has grown over the years to command 55 per cent of the passenger vehicle market, with the high-SUV segment (vehicles priced over Rs 20 lakh) accounting for around 25,000 units a month. 'This is a sizeable segment that attracts more sophisticated customers who are mostly upgraders from earlier cars and are looking for better performance, quality, and new technology,' he added. Chandra explained that in the overall EV market, entry-level EVs priced below Rs 12 lakh (such as the Tiago EV) sell around 3,500-4,000 units a month, while mid-size EVs (like Punch and Nexon) sell about 6,000 units monthly. The Punch straddles the entry and mid-size EV segments, typically offering a 300-400 km range and catering to maximum volumes and competitive intensity, as it functions as both a city and intercity car. The new category of high SUVs as EVs, where the Harrier has been positioned, is expected to break barriers for EV adoption. 'New customers who have not considered EVs so far will come into the fold due to faster charging speeds (the Harrier EV, for example, can add 250 km of range in 15 minutes), more range (500-600 km), which is comparable to any ICE vehicle, and thus EVs will become more mainstream,' he said. TML has faced stiff competition from players like JSW MG Motors and Mahindra in recent months, with its market share dropping from over 70 per cent to 55.4 per cent at the end of FY25. According to Vahan data, Tata Motors' EV market share in the first two months of FY26 stands at around 37.9 per cent, down 13.8 per cent year-on-year. Meanwhile, M&M and MG have gained, with market shares of 24.4 per cent and 31.2 per cent respectively. Chandra said he is optimistic FY26 will be their best year yet, aligned with industry growth. 'The industry might grow by over 50 per cent, and we are entering a new segment which should give us more volumes. We are also taking action in existing segments that were problematic last year, which should help us grow volumes,' he said, adding the goal is to hold a 50 per cent EV market share in the mid to long term. Asked about exports as the domestic market becomes more competitive, Chandra said exports will be a mid-to-long-term focus, but improving the value proposition of existing products, including entry-level models, is the immediate priority. The plan is to expand the entry-level market from 3,500 units a month to 6,000 units. 'We are also working on the fleet segment to make it comparable with the value proposition of CNG vehicles,' he noted. Post-FAME subsidies, TML has seen a significant decline in fleet sales, which once accounted for nearly 20 per cent of its EV sales. The Harrier EV, loaded with features such as a 540-degree surround view, transparent mode, blindspot view, digital key (via smartwatch or phone), auto-park assist, and summon mode, will be manufactured at the company's Pune plant. While Chandra did not disclose production targets, he said they have plans for a rapid ramp-up if needed. He does not expect the Harrier EV to cannibalise sales of the Harrier ICE variant. 'We have experience with a multi-powertrain strategy in other products. For example, when the Punch ICE launched in 2021, it sold 8,000 units a month. Now, with EV and CNG variants, sales have doubled to 16,000 units a month. So the segment expands, and that's how I see this,' he said. He expects EVs to achieve double-digit penetration in the high SUV segment in the coming quarters.
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Business Standard
3 days ago
- Automotive
- Business Standard
Tata Motors bets on new Harrier EV to own over 50% of market share
Tata Motors (TML), the leader in India's electric passenger vehicle market, is betting on its new off-roader electric high SUV, the Harrier EV, along with other offerings in the entry and mid-level EV segments, to sustain over a 50 per cent share of India's 100,000-unit EV market. The market is expected to grow by more than 50 per cent in 2025-26, crossing the 150,000-unit mark. The company also claimed it does not face any immediate crisis from the rare-earth metals supply disruption from China. The Harrier EV, aggressively priced with a starting price of Rs 21.49 lakh, is expected to compete with Mahindra & Mahindra's XUV 9e, which starts at Rs 21.9 lakh. Speaking to Business Standard, Tata Motors Passenger Vehicle and Tata Passenger Electric Mobility Managing Director Shailesh Chandra said the SUV segment has grown over the years to command 55 per cent of the passenger vehicle market, with the high-SUV segment (vehicles priced over Rs 20 lakh) accounting for around 25,000 units a month. 'This is a sizeable segment that attracts more sophisticated customers who are mostly upgraders from earlier cars and are looking for better performance, quality, and new technology,' he added. Chandra explained that in the overall EV market, entry-level EVs priced below Rs 12 lakh (such as the Tiago EV) sell around 3,500-4,000 units a month, while mid-size EVs (like Punch and Nexon) sell about 6,000 units monthly. The Punch straddles the entry and mid-size EV segments, typically offering a 300-400 km range and catering to maximum volumes and competitive intensity, as it functions as both a city and intercity car. The new category of high SUVs as EVs, where the Harrier has been positioned, is expected to break barriers for EV adoption. 'New customers who have not considered EVs so far will come into the fold due to faster charging speeds (the Harrier EV, for example, can add 250 km of range in 15 minutes), more range (500-600 km), which is comparable to any ICE vehicle, and thus EVs will become more mainstream,' he said. TML has faced stiff competition from players like JSW MG Motors and Mahindra in recent months, with its market share dropping from over 70 per cent to 55.4 per cent at the end of FY25. According to Vahan data, Tata Motors' EV market share in the first two months of FY26 stands at around 37.9 per cent, down 13.8 per cent year-on-year. Meanwhile, M&M and MG have gained, with market shares of 24.4 per cent and 31.2 per cent respectively. Chandra said he is optimistic FY26 will be their best year yet, aligned with industry growth. 'The industry might grow by over 50 per cent, and we are entering a new segment which should give us more volumes. We are also taking action in existing segments that were problematic last year, which should help us grow volumes,' he said, adding the goal is to hold a 50 per cent EV market share in the mid to long term. Asked about exports as the domestic market becomes more competitive, Chandra said exports will be a mid-to-long-term focus, but improving the value proposition of existing products, including entry-level models, is the immediate priority. The plan is to expand the entry-level market from 3,500 units a month to 6,000 units. 'We are also working on the fleet segment to make it comparable with the value proposition of CNG vehicles,' he noted. Post-FAME subsidies, TML has seen a significant decline in fleet sales, which once accounted for nearly 20 per cent of its EV sales. The Harrier EV, loaded with features such as a 540-degree surround view, transparent mode, blindspot view, digital key (via smartwatch or phone), auto-park assist, and summon mode, will be manufactured at the company's Pune plant. While Chandra did not disclose production targets, he said they have plans for a rapid ramp-up if needed. He does not expect the Harrier EV to cannibalise sales of the Harrier ICE variant. 'We have experience with a multi-powertrain strategy in other products. For example, when the Punch ICE launched in 2021, it sold 8,000 units a month. Now, with EV and CNG variants, sales have doubled to 16,000 units a month. So the segment expands, and that's how I see this,' he said. He expects EVs to achieve double-digit penetration in the high SUV segment in the coming quarters.
Hindustan Times
4 days ago
- Automotive
- Hindustan Times
Tata Harrier EV to be launched tomorrow. Check expected features, price and range
The Tata Harrier EV is set to be launched on June 3, 2025. The car is touted to be the brand's biggest and most feature-rich electric SUV. The Harrier EV will be positioned above the current offerings in Tata's EV lineup, a step towards better performing and feature-packed electric cars. Although complete specs are not yet available, there are a few teasers about design and the platform that give an idea of what the buyer will get eventually. Although the Harrier EV's design will be based on the ICE model, it will get some design changes typical of electric vehicles. Primarily the front grille has been sealed to minimize drag, similar to other EVs. Both the front and rear bumpers have also been redesigned. ₹ 22 - 25 Lakhs ₹ 21.9 - 30.5 Lakhs Offers Expiring soon ₹ 24.99 - 33.99 Lakhs Offers Expiring soon ₹ 20 Lakhs Onwards Offers Expiring soon ₹ 18.98 - 26.64 Lakhs Offers Expiring soon ₹ 18.9 - 26.9 Lakhs Offers Expiring soon (Also read: Tata Harrier EV teased on social media. Will it climb to the mountain peak?) It is likely to get aero-efficient alloy wheels, improving the looks and performance potential of the car. The lighting arrangement comprises integrated daytime running lights at the front, and the back features new tail lamps. To conclude, the overall design features are also in the same family of visual hints in recent Tata EVs. Although Tata Motors has not revealed that cabin of the Harrier EV, the cabin layout will likely remain the same as that of the regular Harrier. It may receive a two-tone cabin trim, a touchscreen infotainment system, a digital instrument panel, and a panoramic sunroof. We may even possibly witness some new features like ventilated seats, dual-zone climate control, and a powered tailgate, etc. (Also read: Punch, Nexon, Safari, and Harrier SUVs couldn't save Tata sales from slumping; EVs record a marginal uptick) The Harrier EV is likely to receive new convenience technologies like a "Summon Mode" allowing limited movement of the car from the key fob. It is also likely to receive an auxiliary display for front passengers that keeps pace with EV trends with some of the new electric cars already available. The car is also expected to feature Qi charging, multiple airbags, a 360-degree camera, and Level 2 ADAS (advanced driver assistance systems). Based on Tata's new plus platform, certain versions of the Harrier EV will feature a dual-motor all-wheel drive. While information regarding battery capacity is still pending finalization, early signs are that the vehicle will be capable of offering more than 500 kilometres of drive range on a full charge. There could also be a front-wheel drive single-motor version on its way in the near future.
Hindustan Times
4 days ago
- Automotive
- Hindustan Times
Thar, Scorpio N, XEV 9e, BE 6 push Mahindra to pip Tata Motors for second consecutive month
Mahindra has capitalised on the positive consumer sentiment for the SUVs with its range of utility vehicles. Mahindra has capitalised on the positive consumer sentiment for the SUVs with its range of utility vehicles. Check Offers Mahindra has outsold its homegrown archrival, Tata Motors, in the passenger vehicle sales chart in May 2025. Mahindra, in its regulatory filing, has stated that it sold 52,431 units of passenger vehicles in the Indian market, as compared to Tata Motors' 41,557 units recorded last month. This was the second straight month when Mahindra outsold Tata, as in April this year, the manufacturer of popular models like Thar, Scorpio N, etc., sold 52,330 units as compared to 45,199 units registered by the manufacturer of Nexon, Punch. With these numbers, Mahindra has recorded a 21 per cent year-on-year growth in its passenger vehicle sales. The OEM registered 43,218 units in the same month a year ago. In the year-to-date period (April-May 2025) this fiscal as well, Mahindra has registered a 24 per cent growth with 104,761 units, as compared to 84,226 units sold in the same period last fiscal. Mahindra has further stated in its official release that in the passenger vehicle segment, its overall sales were 54,819 units, including domestic retail numbers and exports. Mahindra has attributed this positive sales performance to the ever-increasing demand for SUVs, as well as upbeat confidence for battery electric vehicles. The automaker sells some of the most popular SUVs in India, which include Thar, Thar Roxx, Scorpio N, XUV 3XO, Scorpio Classic, XUV700, Bolero Neo, etc. In the electric vehicle segment as well, the automaker sells models like BE 6, XEV 9e, which have grabbed a lot of attention. 'Thanks to continued demand for our products, we were able to deliver industry-leading growth across our internal combustion engines (ICE) and battery electric vehicles (BEV) portfolio," said Nalinikanth Gollagunta, CEO, Automotive Division at Mahindra and Mahindra. Compared to other car makers who have varied offerings such as hatchbacks, sedans and SUVs, Mahindra's portfolio largely has SUVs, which have benefited from consumers' preference for larger cars. Data from Vahan has revealed that in April and May this year, Mahindra has sold about 94,843 passenger vehicles, which has cemented its place in the second position in the Indian PV market. Get insights into Upcoming Cars In India, Electric Vehicles, Upcoming Bikes in India and cutting-edge technology transforming the automotive landscape. First Published Date: 02 Jun 2025, 09:04 AM IST
