Review of Best Data Plans for Streamers in Nigeria: MTN 5G vs Fiber and All Networks Compared (2025)

Finding the right data plan for streaming in Nigeria can feel overwhelming, especially when prices keep rising and every network claims to be the “fastest.” We’ve all been there—trying to watch a movie on Netflix only to have the network buffer right at the good part. With the NCC approving a tariff adjustment on January 20, 2025, and implementing it on February 11, 2025—the first increase since 2013—picking the wrong plan hurts your wallet more than ever.

With the rising cost of living in Lagos, choosing the right data plan can save you thousands of naira monthly—money better spent on rent or groceries.

This complete Review of Best Data Plans for Streamers in Nigeria compares every major provider—from the big names like MTN and Airtel to dedicated fiber options like FibreOne and Spectranet. Whether you need internet for watching YouTube, attending Zoom meetings, or just browsing Instagram, this guide helps you pick the perfect plan without wasting money.

Why Did Data Prices Increase in 2025?

The 50% tariff adjustment came after years of lobbying by telecom operators facing mounting financial pressure. Tariff rates had remained unchanged since 2013—over 11 years—despite soaring operational costs driven by headline inflation (34.8% in early 2025), naira devaluation, and rising energy expenses.

MTN Nigeria alone reported losses expanding to ₦514.9 billion in the first nine months of 2024, while Airtel Africa reported $89 million in losses for FY 2024. The NCC originally requested a 100% increase, but capped it at 50% to balance industry sustainability with consumer protection.

Update (February 2025): While the NCC and Organised Labour reached an agreement on February 21, 2025, to reduce the tariff hike from 50% to 35%, telecom operators have not implemented this reduction. As of December 2025, Labour continues to protest the non-implementation of the agreed 15% reduction, meaning consumers are still paying the full 50% increase.

How the Tariff Hike Affected Nigerians

The tariff increase has measurably impacted subscriber behavior. New telephone line activations slowed significantly after the February 2025 implementation:

• Oct-Dec 2024: Operators activated 7.3 million new lines.
• Mar-Apr 2025: Only 239,899 new lines were activated.
• May 2025: Operators actually lost 276,375 active subscribers.

The official floor prices after the hike are now:

• Calls: From ₦6.40 to ₦9.60 per minute
• SMS: From ₦4 to ₦6 per message
• 1GB of Data: From ₦287.50 to ₦431.25

Why Network Quality Sometimes Suffers

Telecom operators face enormous operational challenges that affect service quality. You might wonder why your “fast” data sometimes slows to a crawl. The reality involves significant physical and economic hurdles:

• Fiber Cuts: MTN Nigeria experiences an average of 37 fiber cuts daily, while Airtel suffers 44 cuts daily—largely due to road construction activities and vandalism.
• Energy Costs: To keep base stations running during power outages, operators consume more than 40 million litres of diesel every month, most of which is imported.
• Import Dependency: There is nothing needed to build or upgrade a network in Nigeria that can be bought locally. All hardware and software must be imported, requiring scarce foreign exchange.

How Much Data Do You Really Need for Streaming in Nigeria?

Before we jump into the prices, let’s talk about usage. Many people subscribe to a 20GB monthly plan and wonder why it finishes in one week. Streaming video eats up data fast.

If you are streaming on Netflix, Showmax, or YouTube, the quality of the video matters. Watching in 4K looks amazing, but it burns through data much faster than standard definition. Also, remember that working from home adds up. Video calls on Zoom or Google Meet use a surprising amount of data.

Here is a simple breakdown of how much data you are likely using:

Streaming Quality	Data Used Per Hour	Monthly Need (4 hours/day)
Standard Definition (SD)	1 GB	120 GB
High Definition (HD)	3 GB	360 GB
4K Ultra HD	7 GB	840 GB
Video Calls (Zoom)	1.5 GB	45 GB (1 hr/day)

Pro Tip: In Nigeria, where power outages are common, you might stream more on your phone than a TV. Learning how to stay focused during power outages can help you maximize your data usage during generator hours. Also, adjust your app settings to “Data Saver” mode to make your bundle last longer.

Which Network Has the Best Data Coverage in Nigeria?

You can buy the cheapest plan in the world, but it is useless if you don’t have signal in your room. Coverage is king.

MTN Nigeria currently holds the crown for the widest reach. Research shows they cover nearly 90% of areas, with extensive 4G coverage reaching 80% of the population. If you travel a lot between states, MTN is usually your safest bet. They are also leading the charge with 5G network rollout in major cities like Lagos, Abuja, Port Harcourt, Ibadan, Kano, Oseri, and Maiduguri.

Airtel Nigeria is a very strong runner-up. They cover the majority of urban and rural towns and have a very strong 4G presence in key cities. Many users in Lagos find Airtel’s 4G to be just as fast, if not faster, than MTN in certain areas.

Globacom (Glo) prides itself on being the “Grandmasters of Data.” They cover about 80% of the national area. However, users often report that while the signal bars are full, the internet speed can be inconsistent, especially in rural areas.

9mobile is reliable but has more limited coverage, mostly focusing on major urban centers.

Nigeria’s Broadband Progress (May 2025 Data)

The push for better coverage is showing results, though gaps remain.

• Broadband Penetration: 48.81% as of May 2025.
• National Target: 70% by December 2025 (Still 21.19% below goal).
• Growth: Subscribers rose by 2.34 million between March and May 2025, largely driven by Fibre-to-the-Home (FTTH) expansion in urban areas.

Mobile Market Share (End of 2024)

Understanding the subscriber base explains why MTN and Airtel dominate the conversation—they control 93% of the market.

Operator	Subscribers
MTN	78.1 million
Airtel	52.1 million
Glo	8.6 million
9mobile	1.1 million
Total	~140 million

Best Network for Rural Areas in Nigeria

If you live far away from the big cities, standard mobile networks might frustrate you. Starlink is currently the best option for remote areas where traditional providers like FibreOne or MTN don’t reach. It delivers speeds above 100 Mbps with minimal latency (lag), but it comes at a premium price.

MTN 5G vs Fiber: Which is Best for Remote Work and Streaming in Nigeria?

This is the big debate for 2025. Should you get a 5G router or install Fiber-to-the-Home (FTTH)?

MTN 5G Overview & New Unlimited Launch

MTN 5G is incredibly fast. We are talking about advertised speeds up to 800 Mbps, though real-world speeds will fluctuate depending on how many people are online near you. It is available in key cities like Lagos and Abuja.

MTN’s New Unlimited 5G Broadband Plans (November 2025): In November 2025, MTN Nigeria launched dedicated Unlimited Broadband Data plans powered by 5G technology, specifically designed to address major frustrations—capped data limits and unstable connectivity.

• Target Audience: Content creators, remote workers, gamers, and households.
• Welcome Bonus: New customers who purchase a 5G router receive unlimited data free for the first 30 days.
• Activation: Dial *461*1#, use MyMTNApp, or visit the MTN eShop.
• Best for: People who move around or rent apartments where they cannot drill holes for fiber cables. Routers generate heat, so if you’re setting up a 5G hub at home, you’ll want to know how to cool down your house without AC to prevent equipment overheating.

MTN Router Plans (Verified 2025): For those who prefer traditional capped plans or specific unlimited tiers, here is the complete breakdown.

Unlimited Plans (With FUP):

• Silver (₦30,000): Standard speed. FUP: 150GB (Speed drops to 2GB daily limit after).
• Ruby (₦45,000): Standard speed. FUP: 260GB (Speed drops to 2GB daily limit after).
• Gold (₦40,000): Speed up to 50 Mbps. Throttles to 5 Mbps after using 400GB.
• Diamond (₦65,000): Speed up to 100 Mbps. Throttles to 5 Mbps after using 800GB.

Capped Data Plans:

Plan	Price	Data Allocation	Rate per MB	Validity
30GB Plan	₦9,000	30GB + 5GB Bonus	₦0.25	30 days
60GB Plan	₦14,500	60GB + 5GB Bonus	₦0.22	30 days
120GB Plan	₦24,000	120GB + 5GB Bonus	₦0.19	30 days
200GB Plan	₦37,500	200GB + 5GB Bonus	₦0.18	30 days
450GB Plan	₦75,000	450GB	₦0.16	90 days
1.5TB Plan	₦225,000	1.5TB	₦0.14	365 days

Fiber Internet Options Overview

Providers like FibreOne and ipNX offer stability. FibreOne offers speeds from 25 to 152 Mbps. The big advantage here is that it is usually truly unlimited data with no “Fair Usage Policy” (FUP). This means they won’t slow your speed down after you use a certain amount of data. Prices start at roughly ₦13,870 per month.

MTN Fibre Broadband: MTN is also a major player in the fiber game now. They offer a free-to-use router installed at no cost to you.

• 50 Mbps Plan: ₦25,000/month (or ₦120,000 for 180 days).
• 300 Mbps Plan: ₦100,000/month.
• Best for: Heavy streamers, large families, and remote workers who need a stable connection for video calls.

If you’re working remotely and need fiber installed, you’ll want to consider setting up a home office in your bedroom that accommodates your router placement for optimal signal. If you’re just moving into a new place, plan furnishing a mini flat on a budget—including budgeting for your internet setup costs.

Comparison: 5G vs Fiber

Feature	MTN 5G	Fiber (FibreOne/MTN/Airtel)
Speed	Up to 800 Mbps (Advertised)	25-300 Mbps (Consistent)
Mobility	Yes (Move the router anywhere)	No (Fixed to your house)
Data Cap	Throttled after FUP limit	Truly unlimited options available
Coverage	Major cities only	Limited areas (Estates/Cities)
Latency	Low	Very low (Better for gaming)
Starting Price	₦20,000/month + Router	₦13,870 – ₦25,000/month

When choosing between 5G routers and fiber, remember that your router needs consistent power. Pairing your setup with a rechargeable fan buying guide helps keep your workspace comfortable during outages.

Which Provider Has the Best Unlimited Data Plan in Nigeria?

If you are tired of counting megabytes, you need an unlimited plan. But be careful—some “unlimited” plans have hidden caps.

⚠️ Important Warning on Router Plans: Airtel and MTN Router Plans are marketed as “unlimited,” but they usually come with limits. For example, MTN’s 4G/5G router gives you 150GB, and after that, your speed gets throttled. This can be frustrating if you’re a heavy user.

FibreOne – Best True Unlimited Plan

FibreOne is a favorite for streamers because they offer truly unlimited data with no speed throttling. You can stream Netflix in 4K all day.

• Speed: 25 to 152 Mbps.
• Price: Starts at ₦13,870 per month.
• Availability: Lagos, Abuja, Ilorin.

Spectranet Unlimited Plans

Spectranet remains a popular choice for home internet. However, their pricing has been updated for 2025. Be aware that these plans have a speed cap (FUP) where speed drops to 1 Mbps after you exceed the data limit.

Plan Name	Price	Data Volume	Speed After Limit
Unified 125GB	₦21,000	125 GB	N/A
Diamond Plan	₦30,000	200 GB	1 Mbps
Platinum Plan	₦35,000	325 GB	1 Mbps
BigData Plan	₦45,000	400 GB	1 Mbps
MegaData Plan	₦60,000	550 GB	1 Mbps

Ngcom – Most Affordable Fiber Unlimited

Ngcom is gaining popularity for budget-friendly fiber.

• Plan: FiberMax Liteplus offers up to 15 Mbps with no fair usage limits.
• Price: Starting from ₦13,100/month.
• Status: Licensed by NCC.

Wifiber – Best for Heavy Streamers

Wifiber’s Home Smart plan is designed for heavy usage.

• Details: Genuine unlimited data and zero throttling.
• Price: Starting at ₦15,380/month.
• Availability: Lagos, Abuja, Ibadan.

Tizeti (Wifi.com.ng) – Best Budget Unlimited

If you are looking to save money, Tizeti is the most affordable option on this list for unlimited broadband.

• Price: ₦12,500/month.
• Setup: One-time cost of ₦57,000.
• Availability: Lagos, Ogun, Port Harcourt.

Best MTN Data Plans in Nigeria (2025 Review)

MTN is generally the most expensive, but you pay for quality. They have the fastest average download speed at 36.5 Mb/s, making them the top choice for streamers who hate buffering.

Below is the verified list of standard monthly plans for 2025 (Source: MTN Nigeria):

Price	Data Allocation	Bonuses & Benefits
₦1,500	2GB + 2 mins	200MB YouTube + 2GB Night Streaming
₦2,000	2.7GB + 2 mins	200MB YouTube + 2GB Night
₦2,500	3.5GB + 5 mins	200MB YouTube + 2GB Night
₦3,500	7GB	2GB Night Streaming
₦4,500	10GB + 10 mins	200MB YouTube + 2GB Night
₦5,500	12.5GB	300MB YouTube + 2GB Night
₦5,500	18.6GB	Always On plan (No restrictions)
₦7,500	20GB	4GB Night Streaming
₦9,000	25GB	4GB Night Streaming
₦11,000	36GB	Data roaming eligible

• High-Volume Pricing: Following the February 2025 updates, the new pricing structure for heavy users is:
  • 65GB for ₦16,000
  • 75GB for ₦18,000
  • 100GB for ₦20,000
  • 165GB for ₦35,000
  • 250GB for ₦55,000
• Night Owls: The MTN Pulse Nightlife bundle gives you 500MB for just ₦75 (valid 11pm-6am). If you’re taking advantage of cheap night data plans (11pm-6am), you might relate to our morning routine tips for night owls who stay up late downloading.

📱 MTN Activation Codes

• General Menu: Dial *312# and select “Data Plans”.
• Direct Text: Text the plan code (e.g., 106) to 312 for the ₦1,500 plan.
• Secret Deals: Dial *121# to check for personalized “Data4Me” offers (often cheaper).

Best Airtel Data Plans 2025

Airtel offers a sweet spot between price and speed, often matching MTN’s performance in Lagos and Abuja but at slightly better price points for heavy users.

• Heavy User Plan: 200GB for ₦20,000. This is arguably the best value for mobile data right now.
• 5G Router: Speeds up to 200 Mbps, plans start from ₦20,000/month. The setup fee is ₦50,000 but includes a month of free unlimited browsing.
• Fiber Plans: If you can get their fiber, it’s ₦15,000/month for up to 20 Mbps.

For more details, visit the Airtel Official Website.

📱 Airtel Activation Codes

• General Menu: Dial *312# (or the legacy *141#) to view all bundles.
• Check Balance: Dial *140#.

Best Glo Data Plans in Nigeria

Glo is famous for being the “Grandmasters of Data” because they are consistently the cheapest provider.

• Rates: ₦0.35 – ₦1 per GB.
• Budget Pick: For just ₦1,000, you now get 2.6GB + 1.5GB Night data (totaling approximately 4.1GB). This is a fantastic deal for students.
• Trade-off: While cheap, the network speed can be inconsistent. It is best for students and budget-conscious users who don’t mind occasional buffering.

Verified Glo Top-Up & YouTube Plans: If you need a quick data fix or love YouTube, Glo has specific small bundles verified by the NCC.

• Quick Top-Ups:
  • ₦100: 85MB (1 day)
  • ₦150: 125MB (2 days)
  • ₦300: 250MB (3 days)
  • ₦600: 1,280MB (7 days)
  • ₦1,200: 2,560MB (30 days)
• YouTube Bundles:
  • ₦250: 1GB (5 hours YouTube) – 1 day
  • ₦600: 3GB (14 hours YouTube) – 2 days

📱 Glo Activation Codes

• General Menu: Dial *312# or the classic *777#.
• Data Balance: Text INFO to 127 or dial *127*0#.

Best 9mobile Data Plans

9mobile sits in the middle. They are great for business users in urban areas who need reliability over massive data volumes.

• Weekly Pick: 7GB + 100MB for ₦1,500.
• Pros: Network is often more stable in congested areas because they have fewer users clogging the towers.

Verified “Anytime Data” Plans: 9mobile offers a range of solid standard plans for general browsing.

• ₦200: 250MB (1 day)
• ₦500: 750MB (14 days)
• ₦1,000: 2GB (30 days)
• ₦1,500: 3.2GB (30 days)
• ₦2,000: 4.5GB (30 days)
• ₦2,500: 5.2GB (30 days)
• ₦3,000: 6.2GB (30 days)
• ₦5,000: 11.4GB (30 days)

📱 9mobile Activation Codes

• General Menu: Dial *312# to buy data.
• Data Balance: Dial *228#.

Which Network Has the Cheapest Data Plan in Nigeria?

If your main goal is saving money, let’s look at the numbers.

Network	Budget Plan	Heavy User Plan	Night Plan
Glo	2.6GB + 1.5GB Night / ₦1,000	107GB + 2GB Night / ₦20,000	750MB / ₦120 (12am-5am)
MTN	2GB + bonuses / ₦1,500	65GB / ₦16,000	500MB / ₦75 (11pm-6am)
Airtel	2GB + bonuses / ₦1,500	100GB / ₦20,000	250MB / ₦50 (12am-5am)
9mobile	1.5GB / ₦1,000	Limited options	App-specific bundles

The Big Trade-Off: Data Volume vs. Network Speed

Before you rush to buy the cheapest plan with the highest number of Gigabytes, it is important to understand the reality of the Nigerian telecom market. There is a clear trade-off between quantity and quality.

At first glance, the plans with bigger gigabytes look like better deals. However, experienced users know that the experience matters more than the numbers. Generally, Glo offers the most data volume for your money, making it look unbeatable on paper. But in practice, MTN and Airtel offer significantly more stable connections and consistent speeds in most locations.

Tech authorities like TechCabal have highlighted Glo as the “Best Budget Pick” for its volume, while consistently rating MTN and Airtel higher for reliability.

Think of it this way: Having 10GB of data is useless if the network is too slow to load a 5-minute YouTube video. If your priority is downloading large files overnight, Glo’s volume is king. But for live streaming or Zoom calls where stability is non-negotiable, the reliability of MTN or Airtel is worth paying a higher price per GB. When your data runs out or the network fails, having productivity apps that work offline ensures you can still get work done until your next subscription.

Best Weekly Data Plans (7 Days)

If you are on a tight budget or just need data for a specific project, weekly plans often offer better value per Naira than daily bundles. Here is how the popular ₦1,000 – ₦1,500 plans compare:

Network	Price	Data Allocation	Bonuses & Benefits
MTN	₦1,000	1.5GB	1GB YouTube Night (11pm-6am) + 100MB YouTube All Day
Airtel	₦1,000	1.5GB	1GB YouTube Night + 200MB for Spotify/Music
Glo	₦1,000	3.5GB Total	1.5GB Day + 2GB Night (Note: Glo often counts night data in the total)
9mobile	₦1,500	7GB	100MB Social Bonus (Best volume for price if coverage allows)

Long-Term Value: Best 2-3 Month & Yearly Plans

For heavy streamers and remote workers, buying data monthly is often more expensive than buying in bulk. If you can afford the upfront cost, these longer-term plans offer massive data volumes at a much lower cost per Gigabyte.

2-3 Month Bulk Plans

These plans are perfect if you want to pay once and forget about subscriptions for a quarter of the year.

Network	Plan Data	Price	Validity
MTN	90GB	₦25,000	2-3 Months
MTN	150GB	₦40,000	3 Months
MTN	200GB	₦50,000	3 Months
MTN	480GB	₦90,000	90 Days
Airtel	300GB	₦50,000	3 Months
Airtel	355GB	₦60,000	4 Months
Glo	310GB	₦50,000	2 Months
Glo	355GB	₦60,000	3 Months

Yearly Plans for Serious Streamers

If you have the budget, these “Jumbo” plans effectively bring your cost per GB down to as low as ₦150—the cheapest rate you will find on mobile networks.

Network	Data Allocation	Price	Cost per GB
Glo	1TB (1000GB)	₦150,000	₦150
Airtel	650GB	₦100,000	₦154
MTN	800GB	₦125,000	₦156

Quick Activation Guide: USSD Codes

Don’t waste time searching for codes when your data runs out. Here are the universal and network-specific shortcodes you need.

• All Networks (Unified Code): Dial *312# to view and buy data plans on MTN, Airtel, Glo, and 9mobile.
• MTN “Smart Data” Secret: Dial *121# to check for “Data4Me” offers. These are often cheaper, personalized deals not listed on the main menu (though restricted on some SIMs).
• MTN Text Activation: You can also text the plan code directly to 312. For example, text “106” to 312 for the ₦1,500 plan.

Cheapest MTN Monthly Data Plan in Nigeria

For light users, MTN has entry-level bundles giving 3.5GB plus 5 minutes of calls for ₦2,500 (valid 30 days). Crucially, this plan also includes 200MB for YouTube All Day and 2GB for All Night Streaming, adding significant value. For heavy users, the 100GB plan costs ₦20,000.

Cheapest Unlimited Data Plans Nigeria (Ranked)

1. Tizeti: ₦12,500/month (Setup ₦57,000) – Most affordable unlimited broadband
2. Ngcom: ₦13,100/month – FiberMax Liteplus, 15 Mbps, no FUP
3. FibreOne: ₦13,870/month – 25-152 Mbps, truly unlimited, no throttling
4. Wifiber: ₦15,380/month – Home Smart plan, zero throttling
5. Spectranet: ₦21,000/month – Unified 125GB plan

Is Starlink Worth It for Streaming in Nigeria?

You have probably heard the hype about Elon Musk’s Starlink. Is it worth the heavy price tag?

• Monthly Cost: ₦38,000 – ₦59,000 per month (pricing varies by plan and region).
• Hardware Cost: Approximately ₦590,000 upfront.
• Performance: Speeds consistently above 100 Mbps with low latency.

However, there is a catch. Starlink has paused new subscriptions in Lagos, Abuja, and some popular cities due to network capacity issues. It is currently best for rural users and businesses outside fiber or 4G coverage areas. Nigeria was confirmed as a major Point of Presence (PoP) for Starlink in Q1 2025, so availability might improve soon.

Best Data Plan for Your Specific Needs

Here is our practical advice based on what you actually do online.

Best for Netflix and YouTube Streaming

Go for FibreOne or Airtel Fibre if your estate has coverage. If you cannot get fiber, look at the Spectranet 400GB plan (₦45,000/month) or the massive Smile 1TB plan (₦185,000 for 365 days) if you want to buy data in bulk for the whole year. For a full list of Spectranet’s high-volume options, check their unlimited plans page.

After a long work week, streaming your favorite shows is one of the best stress-free weekend ideas—but only if your data plan can handle a full movie marathon.

Best for Remote Work and Video Calls

Stability is key here. Airtel Fibre or MTN FibreX offer consistent speeds between 40-100+ Mbps. If fiber isn’t an option, the Airtel 5G router is a solid backup for video calls.

Remote workers also need backup power for their devices—check out the best power banks for laptops in Nigeria to keep your Zoom calls running even during outages. If you’re juggling a day job and a side business, stable internet is non-negotiable. Learn how to balance your 9-5 and side business while choosing a data plan that supports both.

Best for Students and Budget Users

Glo is your best friend here. The 2.6GB + 1.5GB Night plan for ₦1,000 is unbeatable value. Also, use the Glo night plans (12am-5am) to download your movies for offline viewing later. It costs as little as ₦0.16 per MB.

Corps members can stretch their NYSC allowance budgeting tips further by combining Glo’s budget plans with smart budgeting. Students running student side hustles need reliable but affordable data—Glo’s night plans let you upload content or manage your student side hustle without breaking the bank.

Best for Rural and Remote Areas

If you are outside the major cities, Starlink is the only option that delivers high-speed, low-latency internet, provided you can afford the setup cost.

Real User Experiences: What Nigerians Are Saying

Numbers and prices are great, but sometimes you just need to hear from people who use these networks every day. We spoke to real Nigerians to get their honest take.

“I run a small online thrift business on Instagram. I can’t risk network downtime when uploading videos of new stock. Airtel’s weekly plan may give me less data, but it keeps me connected without delays.” — Princess, 27, online vendor in Lagos

“For me, it’s all about quantity. I download movies and series almost every weekend. Glo’s 3.5GB for ₦1,000 lets me get more done, even if it buffers sometimes. I just download overnight when it’s less congested.” — Samuel, 300-level student at Unilag

“I once bought Glo’s ₦500 daily bundle because it looked huge on paper, but it was so slow that I couldn’t even stream YouTube in low quality. It felt like wasted money.” — Afolayan, graphic designer in Lagos

“I work remotely as a customer support agent. I can’t risk Glo’s unstable speed when I’m on back-to-back Google Meet calls. MTN’s network may be costlier, but it’s reliable, and that’s priceless for me.” — Agu Nwanyi, Abuja

Looking Ahead: The Silver Lining & Consumer Rights

While paying more for data is painful, there is some good news. The tariff increase has triggered significant activity in the telecom sector that should improve your browsing experience soon.

Positive Development: States Dropping Right-of-Way Fees

In a move that should accelerate broadband expansion, 11 Nigerian states have dropped their Right-of-Way (RoW) fees for telecom infrastructure. This development is expected to unlock significant investment and help Nigeria move closer to its 70% broadband penetration target by end of 2025.

New Infrastructure Investment

The tariff hike has already unlocked over $1 billion in fresh infrastructure investment in 2025.

• MTN Nigeria invested ₦565.7 billion ($377.1 million) in the first half of 2025 alone—a 288% year-on-year surge—to fund 4G rollouts, fiber expansion, and a new Tier 3 data center.
• Airtel committed $120 million to a hyperscale data center at Lagos’ Eko Atlantic.
• The NCC now holds weekly calls with operators to monitor exactly how many sites are being built and upgrades completed.

What Consumers Should Expect in Return

The NCC’s approval came with strict conditions. Following continued complaints about poor service, the NCC issued a fresh ultimatum in mid-2025, mandating telecom operators and tower companies to improve quality of service by August 2025 or face significant penalties.

Operators are now required to disclose all key details upfront, including the cost, validity period, and specific inclusions of each plan.

“The Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC) notes the announcement by the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) approving a 50% adjustment in telecommunications tariffs. While the FCCPC acknowledges the economic pressures faced by telecom operators, including increasing operational costs, we unequivocally state that consumer interests remain paramount.” — FCCPC Statement (2025)

If you experience poor service despite paying higher rates, you have the right to file complaints directly with the NCC or FCCPC.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

We searched the web to find what real Nigerians are asking about data plans. Here are the honest answers.

Which network is actually the cheapest in Nigeria?

Strictly speaking, Glo is the cheapest per Gigabyte. Their ₦1,000 for ~4.1GB plan is mathematically the best deal. However, if you factor in “wasted” data due to slow speeds or failed downloads, many users find Airtel or MTN offers better value because the data actually works when you need it.

Why does my data finish so fast (Data Zapping)?

It is likely not “zapping” but high-quality streaming. If you watch Netflix on “Auto” or “High” settings, it can burn 3GB per hour.

The Fix: Go to Netflix App Settings > Video Quality > Select “Standard” or “Data Saver.” Also, turn off “Auto-Play” on Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok to stop videos from playing while you scroll.

Does “Unlimited” really mean Unlimited?

Not always. Most mobile “unlimited” plans (like from MTN or Airtel routers) have a Fair Usage Policy (FUP). This means after you use a certain amount (e.g., 100GB or 500GB), your speed drops drastically to 2G speeds. FibreOne and Starlink are among the few with true unlimited data without these hard caps.

Is Starlink faster than Fiber (FTTH)?

Generally, Fiber is more stable (lower latency/ping), which is better for gaming and Zoom calls. Starlink is incredibly fast (100Mbps+) and is a lifesaver if you live in an area where fiber cables haven’t reached. If you have access to both, Fiber is usually cheaper and more consistent for heavy rain.

How much data does a 2-hour movie use?

It depends on quality. Low Quality (480p) uses about 1GB to 1.5GB, HD (1080p) uses around 6GB, and 4K Ultra HD can consume up to 14GB. We recommend downloading movies on your phone using a Night Plan (12am-5am) to save your main data bundle.

What are the codes to check my data balance?

To check your balance quickly:

• MTN: Dial *312*4# or *131*4#
• Airtel: Dial *140#
• Glo: Text “INFO” to 127 or dial *127*0#
• 9mobile: Dial *228#

Final Verdict: Picking Your Perfect Data Plan

So, which network really has the best data plan? If you want pure speed and mobility, MTN 5G is the winner. If you want truly unlimited data for your home without fearing a data cap, FibreOne or Tizeti are the smartest choices. For mobile users on a budget, Glo remains the king of cheap data.

Review of Best Data Plans for Streamers in Nigeria ultimately comes down to your location. Before buying a router, ask your neighbors which network works best in your specific street.

Binge-watching your favorite series can be a form of self-care—explore more self-care ideas for Nigerians that pair perfectly with a reliable unlimited data plan.

Found this guide helpful? Share it with your friends who are always complaining about their network!