By Abbas Badmus,

The conversation around internet access in Nigeria has taken a new turn following recent remarks by the Chief Executive Officer of MTN Nigeria, Karl Toriola, who stated that offering unlimited data over mobile networks is not commercially feasible. His comments sparked widespread debate among Nigerians, many of whom insist that unlimited internet access should no longer be considered a luxury but a necessity in today’s digital economy.

While mobile subscribers may have to wait longer for truly unlimited data on smartphones, a quiet revolution is already unfolding in Nigeria’s broadband market. Internet Service Providers (ISPs) and telecom operators are investing heavily in Fibre-to-the-Home (FTTH) infrastructure, making unlimited internet increasingly accessible to homes and businesses across the country.

Nigeria’s Data Appetite Keeps Growing
The demand for internet connectivity has continued to soar despite the recent 50 percent increase in telecommunications tariffs, which raised the cost of voice calls, SMS and mobile data.

According to the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), Nigerians now consume approximately 45,800 terabytes of data every day, an indication that digital services have become indispensable for work, education, entertainment, financial services and communication.

Speaking at a recent industry forum in Lagos, the Executive Vice Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of the NCC, Aminu Maida, attributed the rising consumption to increasing broadband penetration and expanding internet usage across the country.

One of the biggest drivers of this trend is the rapid expansion of fibre broadband services, which now offer subscribers something many mobile users have long desired—truly unlimited internet without restrictive Fair Usage Policies (FUPs).

Unlike traditional mobile data bundles that come with monthly caps and speed throttling after heavy usage, fibre broadband delivers consistent, high-speed internet with no data limits.

Competition among providers has intensified significantly over the last few years. Both traditional Internet Service Providers and major mobile network operators are racing to attract customers by offering faster speeds, lower subscription fees and wider coverage.

As competition increases, prices are gradually becoming more affordable, giving households and businesses more options than ever before.

However, while pricing remains a major deciding factor, subscribers are advised to also consider service availability, network reliability, installation costs and customer support before choosing a provider.

Top 10 Cheapest Unlimited Data Plans in Nigeria (June 2026)

1. Wifiber Broadband – Home Smart
Monthly Subscription: ₦15,380
Validity: 30 Days
Speed: Up to 35 Mbps

Wifiber Broadband currently offers Nigeria’s most affordable unlimited fibre package. Available in Lagos, Abuja and Ibadan, the Home Smart plan delivers reliable high-speed internet ideal for streaming, remote work, online classes and smart homes.

2. Ngcom – FiberMax Liteplus

Monthly Subscription: ₦15,500
Validity: 30 Days
Speed: Up to 20 Mbps

Operating in Lagos, Abuja and Port Harcourt, Ngcom provides unlimited broadband services for residential and business users. Its FiberMax Liteplus package remains one of the most competitive offerings in the market.

3. Hoop Telecoms – Home Deluxe

Monthly Subscription: ₦15,500
Validity: 30 Days
Speed: Up to 15 Mbps

With service coverage extending across Nigeria through a combination of owned and partner infrastructure, Hoop Telecoms has emerged as one of the country’s fastest-growing broadband providers.

4. Tizeti – Residential Unlimited

Monthly Subscription: ₦17,500
Validity: 30 Days

Known for eliminating both data caps and device limits, Tizeti’s unlimited residential package remains attractive for households with multiple connected devices. The company currently serves Lagos, Ogun and Port Harcourt while expanding nationwide.

5. FibreOne – SmartHome

Monthly Subscription: ₦17,604
Validity: 30 Days
Speed: 30 Mbps

FibreOne has built a strong reputation as one of Nigeria’s leading FTTH providers, delivering reliable internet services for homes and offices through high-quality fibre infrastructure.

6. iPNX – Bronze Unlimited

Monthly Subscription: ₦22,253
Validity: 30 Days
Speed: 20 Mbps

As one of Nigeria’s pioneers in fibre broadband, iPNX continues to offer premium unlimited internet services backed by industry-leading fibre technology and stable network performance.

7. Airtel Nigeria – Unlimited 50

Monthly Subscription: ₦25,000
Validity: 30 Days
Speed: Up to 50 Mbps

Unlike its regular mobile data bundles, Airtel’s Unlimited 50 package is available through its SmartConnect 5G Outdoor Unit (ODU) router, providing users with unrestricted internet access and impressive speeds.

8. MTN FibreX – Basic Plan

Monthly Subscription: ₦30,000
Validity: 30 Days
Speed: 50 Mbps

Although MTN maintains that unlimited mobile data is currently unsustainable, the telecom giant offers unlimited broadband through its FibreX service. One major advantage is that installation comes at no additional cost, unlike many competing providers.

9. Cobranet – UgoFlix

Monthly Subscription: ₦32,000
Validity: 30 Days
Speed: Up to 8 Mbps

One of Nigeria’s oldest Internet Service Providers, Cobranet continues to provide dependable residential internet services across Lagos, Abuja and several other major cities.

10. Cyberspace – Cyber Unlimited Classic

Monthly Subscription: ₦33,910
Validity: 30 Days

Established in 1995, Cyberspace has remained a significant player in Nigeria’s ICT industry. Its Cyber Unlimited Classic package is designed primarily for business users requiring uninterrupted internet connectivity.

The debate over unlimited mobile data may continue for years, but one fact is already becoming evident: Nigeria’s broadband future lies in fibre.

As telecom companies and Internet Service Providers continue expanding fibre infrastructure, millions of Nigerians are expected to enjoy faster, more reliable and genuinely unlimited internet services. Increased competition is also likely to drive prices lower while improving service quality.

For consumers, the growing number of unlimited broadband providers means greater freedom to stream, work remotely, game online, run digital businesses and connect multiple devices without worrying about exhausting monthly data allocations.

Nevertheless, prospective subscribers should carefully verify network availability within their neighbourhoods before making a decision. Most fibre providers have location-specific coverage, and many require one-time installation or setup fees, although a few providers—such as MTN FibreX—currently waive installation costs.

As Nigeria accelerates its digital transformation journey, affordable unlimited broadband is gradually shifting from being a premium service to becoming an essential utility for households and businesses alike.

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The tool, announced in a statement signed by the company’s Director of Corporate Communications and CSR, Femi Adeniran, allows users to calculate estimated data usage from activities such as streaming, browsing, social media engagement, and voice or video calls.

According to Airtel, the initiative is aimed at improving transparency and helping subscribers make more informed decisions about their data plans, especially amid growing concerns about rapid data depletion.

Airtel Nigeria’s Customer Experience Director, Oladokun Oye, said the tool was developed to give users clearer insight into their consumption patterns and strengthen trust between the company and its customers.

He added that as Nigerians increasingly rely on digital services for work, education, and entertainment, understanding data usage has become essential for better planning and cost management.

The launch comes as regulators and telecom operators continue discussions on data transparency, with the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) encouraging improved consumer education on internet usage.

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The minister disclosed this in a statement on Sunday, stressing that operators are now expected to resolve persistent network challenges and deliver better call and data services to Nigerians.

According to Tijani, recent investments and reforms in the telecom sector have created the conditions necessary for improved service delivery, leaving operators with both the resources and responsibility to address longstanding quality issues.

He said the Federal Government has secured funding, led by the World Bank, for Project BRIDGE, a nationwide open-access fibre infrastructure initiative aimed at strengthening digital connectivity across the country.

The minister added that fibre deployment, new tower rollouts through NUCAP, and expanded satellite capabilities are expected to commence before the end of the year.

“A small business owner should be able to access reliable, high-speed fibre internet directly at their home or shop, rather than relying solely on dongles or unstable mobile connections,” Tijani said.

He noted that telecom operators have returned to profitability under what he described as a more stable and transparent market environment, adding that there is now little justification for continued poor service quality.

Tijani said the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) has been fully empowered to monitor operator performance, enforce service standards, and ensure compliance without interference.

According to him, the ministry will rely on periodic NCC reports as well as public feedback and complaints from Nigerians to assess improvements in network performance.

“Going forward, we expect to see clear and measurable improvements in call quality, data performance, and coverage,” he said.

The minister added that operators delivering improved services would be recognised, while those failing to meet standards should expect regulatory action from the NCC.

The warning comes amid growing consumer complaints over dropped calls, poor connectivity, and slow internet speeds across Nigeria’s telecom sector.

Recently, the NCC directed mobile network operators to compensate subscribers in areas where service quality falls below prescribed standards as part of broader efforts to strengthen consumer protection.

The regulator also introduced new Quality of Service regulations in 2024, setting stricter performance benchmarks for telecom operators, including standards for call setup success rates, call drop rates, and network congestion.

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Nigeria is accelerating the shutdown of legacy 3G networks as telecom operators intensify investments in faster 4G and 5G infrastructure, while the country simultaneously strengthens its role as a regional Internet traffic hub through a new partnership with China Mobile International Limited (CMI).

Fresh data from a first-quarter 2026 telecom sector review conducted by Ookla for the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) showed that mobile operators are rapidly retiring the 900MHz 3G spectrum band and reallocating resources to 4G frequencies on the 1800MHz and 2100MHz bands.

The transition is expected to improve connectivity nationwide, especially in underserved rural communities where slow Internet speeds have long limited access to digital services such as online learning, financial technology platforms, and remote work tools.

According to the report, MTN and Airtel are leading the migration away from 3G, significantly reducing dependence on outdated spectrum infrastructure as part of broader network modernisation efforts.

Industry statistics showed that as of the first quarter of 2026, 4G accounted for 53.76 per cent of network penetration in Nigeria, followed by 2G at 36.74 per cent, 3G at 5.30 per cent, and 5G at 4.20 per cent.

However, NCC Executive Vice Chairman, Dr. Aminu Maida, recently disclosed in Lagos that 5G penetration has already climbed to about 14 per cent, with active usage estimated at five per cent nationwide.

The report identified the n77 spectrum band (3.5GHz) as the backbone of Nigeria’s 5G expansion, delivering speeds estimated to be up to 10 times faster than conventional 4G services.

Since late 2025, 5G test volumes have reportedly surged by 44 per cent, driven largely by Airtel and MTN deployments.

In major cities such as Lagos and Abuja, Internet download speeds now exceed 250Mbps in some locations, significantly improving experiences for streaming, gaming, video conferencing, and enterprise connectivity.

The NCC also urged consumers to adopt devices compatible with the n77 band to fully utilise the benefits of 5G technology.

Despite the rapid urban rollout, the report noted that some rural states, including Sokoto and Imo, still rely heavily on 3G infrastructure. However, ongoing migration to 4G networks is steadily narrowing the digital divide.

The regulator described the transition as critical to achieving digital inclusion and ensuring that high-speed Internet access becomes available beyond urban centres.

For basic services such as calls, messaging, social media, and payments, 4G remains Nigeria’s dominant network standard. However, the report noted that 5G is increasingly becoming the preferred option for bandwidth-intensive activities such as cloud computing, gaming, and remote work.

Ookla’s findings further showed the speed of the ongoing transition in northern Nigeria. In Sokoto State, MTN’s reliance on 3G reportedly dropped from 80 per cent in September 2025 to 29 per cent by February 2026, while Airtel’s 3G dependence fell from 71 per cent to 25 per cent within the same period.

The report stated that Nigeria’s spectrum transition represents more than a technical upgrade, describing it as a key driver of economic growth, innovation, and broader digital participation.

Meanwhile, Nigeria’s Internet infrastructure ecosystem received an international boost after the Internet Exchange Point of Nigeria (IXPN) announced that China Mobile International Limited (CMI) has joined its peering fabric.

The development allows CMI, the global subsidiary of China Mobile Limited, to exchange Internet traffic locally within Nigeria through IXPN’s infrastructure.

The move is expected to reduce dependence on expensive international transit routes, improve data exchange efficiency, and strengthen Nigeria’s position as a regional digital connectivity hub in West Africa.

IXPN described the partnership as a major milestone for Nigeria’s digital ecosystem, saying businesses, Internet service providers, and users across the country would benefit from improved connectivity and faster traffic exchange.

According to IXPN, keeping more Internet traffic within Nigeria will enhance digital sovereignty, lower operational costs for service providers, and improve performance for latency-sensitive applications including cloud services, video conferencing, streaming platforms, and AI-powered technologies.

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The Association of Licensed Telecoms Operators of Nigeria (ALTON) has called for the urgent resolution of the regulatory dispute disrupting Nigeria’s airtime credit market, cautioning that the standoff could undermine consumer welfare, investor confidence, and the stability of the telecom sector.

ALTON Chairman, Gbenga Adebayo, made the appeal amid mounting concerns over persistent service disruptions despite existing court orders intended to preserve operations.

Adebayo described the situation as more than a routine regulatory disagreement, noting that it reflects deeper issues around institutional coordination and compliance with judicial directives. He urged regulators, telecom operators, and the Federal Government to work together to restore clarity and stability in the market.

“What is happening in the airtime credit space goes beyond a dispute between agencies; it is a reflection of how well the systems that support business confidence are functioning,” he said.

He stressed that while court orders remain valid and operators hold legitimate licences, consumers continue to experience interruptions—highlighting the urgency of resolving the impasse.

ALTON noted that Nigeria’s airtime credit ecosystem—estimated to be worth between N300 billion and N400 billion annually—serves as a vital informal credit system. Millions of Nigerians, particularly small traders, artisans, and low-income earners, depend on airtime advances to manage daily financial needs in the absence of accessible formal credit.

The association warned that prolonged uncertainty could negatively impact not only telecom services but also broader economic activities tied to the sector.

The crisis stems from a jurisdictional conflict between the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC) and the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) over oversight of airtime credit services and Value Added Service (VAS) providers.

ALTON insists that the NCC, under the Nigerian Communications Act, has clear statutory authority over telecom operations, including VAS providers. It warned that overlapping regulatory claims have created uncertainty and disrupted business activities.

The association added that it had flagged potential risks to the NCC as early as August 2025, cautioning that inconsistencies arising from FCCPC regulations and inter-agency arrangements could destabilise the sector.

ALTON further noted that interim injunctions issued by Federal High Courts in Lagos and Abuja had restrained interference in the operations of licensed VAS providers. However, operators such as Nairtime Nigeria Limited and members of the Wireless Application Service Providers Association of Nigeria (WASPA) are still experiencing disruptions.

The association warned that continued interference despite court rulings raises serious concerns about regulatory coordination and adherence to the rule of law.

In response, the FCCPC denied claims that it had banned airtime borrowing and data advance services. Instead, it attributed the temporary suspension to non-compliance by some service providers.

According to the Commission’s Director of Corporate Affairs, Ondaje Ijagwu, operators were required to align their services with Nigerian law under a new regulatory framework introduced in July 2025.

He said a 90-day compliance window was provided to allow operators to regularise their operations, but some providers failed to take advantage of the grace period, particularly within the telecom sector.

The dispute has triggered widespread uncertainty across the telecom ecosystem, with major operators such as Airtel Nigeria and MTN Nigeria Communications Plc previously announcing temporary suspensions of airtime and data credit services in response to regulatory directives.

Industry stakeholders warn that unless swiftly addressed, the standoff could erode confidence in Nigeria’s regulatory environment and disrupt a market that plays a crucial role in supporting everyday financial transactions for millions of Nigerians.

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In a statement issued on Friday by its Director of Corporate Affairs, Ondaje Ijagwu, the Commission said it did not order the discontinuation of the services, but expects operators to align with existing regulatory requirements.

The clarification follows announcements by MTN Nigeria and Airtel Nigeria that they had temporarily halted their airtime and data credit offerings, citing the implementation of the Digital, Electronic, Online or Non-Traditional Consumer Lending Regulations, 2025.

According to the FCCPC, operators were given a 90-day compliance window when the framework took effect in July 2025 to regularise their services, structures, and operational models.

The Commission said some providers failed to utilise the grace period, continuing to operate under models that had attracted consumer complaints around transparency, charges, and accountability.

It maintained that any disruption should not be attributed to regulation, noting that adequate notice and opportunity for compliance had been provided.

“Any temporary suspension, restriction, or operational change introduced by service providers should therefore be understood as a business or compliance decision by those operators, not a ban imposed by the FCCPC,” the statement said.

The Commission also alleged that certain vested interests are spreading misinformation to undermine regulatory efforts aimed at promoting fair competition and consumer protection.

Under the current framework, all digital lenders—including telecom operators offering airtime or data advances—are required to register with the FCCPC. Operators have until April 2026 to complete the process or face potential sanctions.

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The company disclosed the development in a statement issued on Friday by its Director of Corporate Communications and CSR, Femi Adeniran.

The affected services previously allowed eligible prepaid subscribers to borrow airtime or data and repay on their next recharge.

Airtel said the suspension is part of efforts to comply with the Digital, Electronic, Online or Non-Traditional Consumer Lending Regulations, 2025, introduced by the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC).

The new framework establishes licensing and compliance requirements for providers of digital or alternative consumer credit services, bringing telecom-based lending products under regulatory oversight.

Despite the suspension, Airtel assured customers that airtime and data purchases remain fully accessible through existing channels and that service quality will not be affected.

Director of Marketing, Ismail Adeshina, described the move as a necessary step to align with evolving regulatory expectations, emphasizing the company’s commitment to compliance, transparency, and consumer protection.

The development follows a similar decision by MTN Nigeria, which recently suspended its Xtratime service. The parallel actions suggest an industry-wide response to the tightening regulatory environment for digital credit services.

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The clarification was contained in a Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) document released on Tuesday, outlining how the policy will be implemented and who qualifies for compensation.

According to the Commission, the directive applies specifically to Mobile Network Operators (MNOs) that fail to meet the prescribed Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) for Quality of Service (QoS). These operators include major providers such as MTN Nigeria, Airtel Nigeria, Globacom, and 9mobile, although the NCC did not specify which of them had fallen short of the required standards.

The Commission noted that the compensation covers service disruptions affecting voice calls, data services, and SMS. To qualify, subscribers must have experienced poor network service in an affected Local Government Area and carried out at least one revenue-generating activity—such as a billed call, SMS, or data session—during the relevant period.

Importantly, the NCC stated that compensation will be issued automatically, without requiring any application from subscribers. Operators have been mandated to identify affected users and credit them directly.

“Only service failures that fall below the defined thresholds set by the Quality of Service Regulations will qualify for compensation,” the Commission said, adding that brief or quickly resolved interruptions may not be eligible.

The policy applies to both individual and corporate subscribers. While the directive focuses on mobile network operators, the NCC noted that a separate compensation framework is already in place for Internet Service Providers (ISPs).

The initiative forms part of the Commission’s broader regulatory efforts to strengthen consumer protection and improve service delivery across Nigeria’s telecommunications sector. The NCC emphasised that reliable telecom services are critical to economic productivity, social interaction, and access to digital opportunities, warning that poor service quality can undermine public confidence and commercial activities.

The regulator added that the compensation framework complements existing enforcement measures aimed at ensuring operators invest in infrastructure, expand network capacity, and meet growing demand.

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The company said its network now reaches more than two billion people across multiple markets, including over 179 million users in 14 African countries.

In Nigeria, Airtel Nigeria has expanded its infrastructure significantly, increasing its network sites from 13,000 to nearly 17,200 over three years, with over 1,500 added in the past year.

Data from the Nigerian Communications Commission shows Airtel accounts for 46,918 of Nigeria’s base stations as of December 2025.

The company is also advancing plans for a second submarine cable landing point in Akwa Ibom State as part of the 2Africa cable system to improve connectivity.

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Data has overtaken voice as the primary revenue source for mobile network operators in recent years, but the latest financial reports show that data revenue growth is significantly outpacing voice.

MTN Nigeria reported N2.8 trillion in data revenue for the year ended December 31, 2025, representing a 74.5 per cent increase from N1.6 trillion recorded in 2024. The company said data traffic on its network rose by 34 per cent, while average data usage per subscriber increased by 20 per cent to 13.1GB for the year.

“The structural demand for data in Nigeria was demonstrated by the 34.0 per cent increase in data traffic on our network that underpinned our strong service revenue growth in the period,” MTN Chief Executive Officer Karl Toriola said in the company’s report.

Similarly, Airtel Nigeria recorded N838.6 billion in data revenue for the nine months ended December 31, 2025, a 67.4 per cent increase compared to N500.8 billion in the same period of 2024.

Airtel said data usage per customer rose by 26.2 per cent to 10.7GB per month, up from 8.4GB in the prior period, while smartphone penetration increased to 54.1 per cent. Smartphone users consumed an average of 13.4GB per month, compared to 11.2GB previously.

Industry data from the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) shows a steady rise in national data consumption despite a 50 per cent tariff increase implemented by operators last year.

In May 2025, Nigerians consumed 1.04 million terabytes of data — the highest monthly figure since the NCC began publishing the data in January 2023. Consumption continued to rise throughout the year, reaching a new peak of 1.38 million terabytes in December 2025.

Analysts attribute the surge to the expansion of Nigeria’s digital economy and the growing popularity of video-based social media platforms.

Digital marketing specialist Idowu Ayodele said many Nigerians are increasingly turning to online platforms for income opportunities.

“The rate at which Nigerians post video content across social media platforms is increasing by the day because many want to make money online,” he said, noting that monetisation features have encouraged higher spending on data.

Telecom expert Adewale Adeoye added that short-form video platforms, online gaming, livestreaming, and remote work tools such as Microsoft Teams and Google Meet are also driving demand.

The rising data usage is placing pressure on operators to expand capacity. MTN said it invested N1 trillion in network infrastructure in 2025, more than doubling its capital expenditure from the previous year, and plans further investments to meet growing demand.

Airtel Nigeria Chief Executive Officer Dinesh Balsingh said the company is intensifying fibre infrastructure rollout across cities and states to improve network performance and coverage, including underserved areas.

Industry observers say sustained investment will be critical as Nigeria’s data consumption continues its upward trajectory.

Source: Naira Metrics

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