Nigerians are feeling the pinch as both MTN and Airtel have increased their data plan tariffs by 50%, raising concerns about affordability and accessibility in a country where the internet is essential for daily life. As users scramble to adjust their budgets, the question arises: Which network provider now offers the best data plan for your money?
To help you decide, we’ve conducted a detailed comparison of MTN and Airtel data plans, focusing on cost-effectiveness, volume, and reliability.
MTN Data Plans: What You Get for Your Money
MTN remains Nigeria’s largest telecom provider, boasting wide coverage and relatively stable internet speed. Despite the price hike, the company still offers a variety of daily, weekly, and monthly data plans.
MTN Daily and Weekly Plans
- Daily options: 100MB for ₦100, 1GB for ₦350, 3GB for ₦600—good for light browsing or emergency use.
- Short-term plans: 600MB for ₦500 (7 days), 1.5GB for ₦1,000 (14 days)—suitable for moderate internet use.
- Power users: 5GB for ₦1,500, 7GB for ₦3,000 (weekly plan).
MTN Monthly Plans
- Entry-level: 1.5GB for ₦1,200, 5GB for ₦1,500.
- Mid-range: 8GB for ₦3,000, 15GB for ₦6,500.
- Heavy users: 120GB for ₦22,000, 200GB for ₦50,000.
Airtel Data Plans: More Affordable or Just Hype?
Airtel, Nigeria’s second-largest network provider, is known for competitive pricing and relatively high-speed internet.
Airtel Daily and Weekly Plans
- Budget-friendly: 100MB for ₦100, 300MB for ₦300.
- More options: 1.5GB for ₦600, 3GB for ₦1,000.
- Weekly data power: 1GB for ₦800, 18GB for ₦5,000.
Airtel Monthly Plans
- Casual users: 2GB for ₦1,500, 4GB for ₦2,500.
- Mid-range users: 10GB for ₦4,000, 25GB for ₦8,000.
- Big data spenders: 100GB for ₦20,000, 210GB for ₦40,000.
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MTN vs. Airtel: Who Wins?
- Speed & Reliability: MTN has stronger coverage nationwide, making it a better choice for people in rural areas.
- Affordability: Airtel offers cheaper high-volume plans, making it ideal for those who need more data for streaming or remote work.
- Network Congestion: Airtel users often experience slower speeds during peak hours, while MTN has more consistent service.
Final Verdict: Who Should You Choose?
If you prioritize consistent network coverage, MTN is the better option, even with higher prices. However, if affordability and data volume matter more to you, Airtel remains the best bet.
Conclusion
Both MTN and Airtel come with their own advantages and drawbacks. Ultimately, your choice depends on whether coverage or cost-saving is your priority in Nigeria’s new era of expensive internet. 🚀