Having a good mobile network is important. People use their phones a lot, so having a reliable network is key.
There are a few big mobile networks in Nigeria: MTN, Airtel, Glo, and 9mobile. Each has its own strengths and benefits, so let’s take a closer look at them.
Choosing a good mobile network is very important in Nigeria nowadays. Almost everyone uses a smartphone and needs the internet to do many things.
The network you choose affects how well you can make calls, browse the internet, watch videos, and use apps.
In this guide, we will look at the top 4 mobile networks in Nigeria – MTN, Airtel, Glo, and 9mobile.
We’ll explain what makes each network good and different. This information can help you pick the best network for your needs.
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Best Mobile Network in Nigeria: 2024 Update
MTN Nigeria
MTN is considered the top mobile network operator in Nigeria with over 62 million customers.
Their motto of being everywhere you go is really working well for them. Wherever you are in Nigeria, you are likely to see MTN users around.
Why is MTN the Favorite?
MTN has become the favorite network because of its clear voice quality and cost-efficient services.
As of now, it is the leading mobile operator not just in Nigeria, but across Africa, Europe and the Middle East regions. MTN was founded in 2001 in South Africa.
Affordable Plans for Everyone
MTN offers a wide range of voice and data plans to suit all budgets and needs. For voice calls, they have plans starting from just 11.26k/second for MTN TruTalk plan to 36k/second for MTN YAFUN YAFUN plan.
For data, MTN has very affordable options like ₦50 for 40MB valid for one day. They also have larger data bundles going up to ₦450,000 for 4.5TB data valid for one year.
Fast Speeds and Stable Connectivity
The quality, speed and network stability provided by MTN has been top-notch. In fact, MTN conducted the first 5G network demo in Nigeria. However, like all networks, the speeds can vary across different locations.
Early Adoption of Latest Technologies
MTN continuously invests in the latest advanced technologies like 4G and 5G to ensure the best possible experience for its customers, especially for data-intensive activities like video streaming and gaming.
Widest Coverage Across Nigeria
One of the biggest advantages of MTN is its extensive network coverage, allowing customers to stay connected even in the most remote parts of Nigeria.
Corporate Responsibility
Apart from network services, MTN is also committed to corporate social responsibility initiatives in areas like education, healthcare and community development across Nigeria.
With its customer-friendly plans, modern network technologies, widest coverage, and quality services, MTN has cemented itself as the leading and most trusted mobile network choice for millions of Nigerians in 2024
Glo (Globacom)
Globacom, popularly known as Glo, is a leading telecommunications network in Nigeria founded by billionaire businessman Mike Adenuga in 2003.
Glo prides itself as the “grandmasters of data” by offering very affordable and abundant data bundles.
Glo has become a trusted choice for millions of Nigerians by providing reliable connectivity and introducing innovative offerings like the Glo Yakata plan that gives recharge bonuses.
The network is also expanding its reach to neighboring countries like Ghana, Benin and Cote d’Ivoire.
Glo Good Points
Cheap Data Plans for Heavy Users
One of the biggest draws of using Glo is its very economical data plans starting from just ₦50 for 50MB valid for one day.
They even have massive annual packs like ₦100,000 for 1TB data. This makes Glo ideal for heavy data users.
Glo also offers dedicated social media packages as low as ₦100 for 100MB valid for one day to access apps like Facebook, WhatsApp and Twitter.
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Affordable Voice Calls Too
In addition to data, Glo provides very affordable voice call rates starting from just 11k per second. Their recharge bonuses are also extremely attractive – ₦100 recharge can give ₦700 bonus with ₦400 for calls and ₦300 for data.
Strong 4G Network
To complement its data focus, Glo has built a robust 4G network across Nigeria to enhance the mobile internet experience for its customers.
The 4G coverage allows for smooth browsing, streaming and other data usages.
Corporate Responsibility
Apart from telecom services, Glo is involved in corporate social responsibility initiatives related to healthcare, education, and youth empowerment across Nigeria.
While Glo’s network speed and stability can vary across locations, its biggest strengths are the abundantly cheap data allocations and innovative bundled plans that provide excellent value for money, especially for student and budget customers.
Airtel
Airtel is one of the leading telecommunications companies in Nigeria, widely known for its customer-centric approach and innovative solutions.
With over 39 million customers and 26.3% market share, Airtel has established itself as a major player shaping the Nigerian telecom industry.
What makes Airtel stand out is its focus on understanding evolving customer needs and introducing ground-breaking services and plans to meet those needs.
The network provider offers a range of products across 2G, 3G, and 4G technologies for voice, data, mobile commerce, home broadband, and enterprise services.
Airtel Good Points
Affordable Data Plans for Every Budget
One of Airtel’s biggest strengths is its affordable and competitive data bundles that cater to budget-conscious users.
Daily data packs start as low as ₦50 for 40MB. There are also attractive weekly and monthly plans bundled with YouTube data like ₦500 for 750MB plus 1GB YouTube night pack.
The flexible data plans allow customers to access the internet at their convenience and as per their needs, whether it’s for a day or a month.
Data Rollover and Upfront Payments
Additionally, Airtel allows you to carry forward your unused data to the next billing cycle so you don’t lose out. Customers also have the option to pay upfront for long-term data packs for added convenience.
Rapidly Expanding 4G/5G Coverage
To support its data-driven services, Airtel is rapidly expanding its 4G and 5G network coverage across Nigeria to provide faster internet speeds in more areas.
This enhances the data experience for customers engaging in heavy usage like streaming, gaming and more.
Apart from affordable data, Airtel also offers voice call plans starting from 11k/sec for Smart Premier to 50k/sec for Smart Connect for new SIM users.
Customer Service and Social Responsibility
While Airtel may not have as wide a customer base as MTN currently, it is praised for its quality customer service. The network is also involved in social responsibility initiatives.
9mobile
Previously known as Etisalat Nigeria, 9mobile has repositioned itself as an innovative and customer-focused telecom provider in Nigeria after a rebranding exercise in 2017.
With over 6 million customers and 6.5% market share, 9mobile aims to drive digital transformation through quality services and cutting-edge infrastructure.
The new brand identity including the modern logo reflects 9mobile’s forward-looking vision for the future of telecommunications in Nigeria.
The network is investing heavily in advanced technologies to deliver exceptional communication experiences tailored to evolving consumer needs.
9mobile Good Points
Fast and Reliable Data Connectivity
A key priority for 9mobile is ensuring fast data speeds and reliable network performance to provide a smooth internet browsing and app usage experience for customers.
The network understands the importance of seamless connectivity in today’s digital age.
Flexible and Affordable Data Plans
To cater to diverse customer segments, 9mobile offers a wide variety of data plans with flexibility in validity periods and pricing.
Daily data bundles start from just ₦50 for 25MB going up to annual plans of ₦100,000 for 365GB.
There are also attractively priced social media packs from ₦50 to access apps like Facebook, WhatsApp, Twitter and WeChat seamlessly.
For voice calls, 9mobile provides competitive tariffs ranging from 11k to 40k per second depending on the plan.
Customer-Centric Approach
What truly sets 9mobile apart is its strong customer service focus. The network is renowned for having a responsive and efficient customer care system to promptly address customer queries and concerns.
9mobile’s mission is to delight customers through personalized services and a user-friendly experience befitting a modern digital services provider.
Read Also: How to Get MTN Unlimited Data Plan for 100 Naira
To Sum Up
Choosing the best mobile network in Nigeria depends on what you need. MTN, Airtel, Glo, and 9mobile all have their own benefits.
By looking at things like coverage, price, and customer service, you can find the right one for you. And remember, no network is perfect everywhere, so it’s good to have options.
The “best” mobile network in Nigeria is MTN, however, the right choice depends on your personal needs and preferences
Things like network coverage in your area, data plan prices, internet speeds and customer service matter.
MTN has the highest number of customers and widest coverage, while Glo is best for cheap data plans. Airtel is rapidly expanding 4G/5G in more cities. 9mobile focuses on reliability and innovation.
Consider the strengths and weaknesses of MTN, Airtel, Glo and 9mobile discussed in this guide. Think about what is most important to you – be it affordable data, fast internet, area coverage or customer support.
Then you can decide which Nigerian mobile network suits you best in 2024.
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