In Nigeria, there are different mobile network providers that have good data plans for their subscribers. Most of these network providers have wide coverage, good internet speed, affordable data plans, and an attentive customer support team that will attend to you should the need arise.
The most common and best mobile networks for data in Nigeria are MTN, Airtel, Glo, and 9Mobile. Some of these mobile network providers are indigenous to Nigeria, while others are international telecom companies.
However, if you want to choose the best mobile network for data but don’t know the network to choose, there is no need to worry because we are going to guide you on how to choose the most suitable network for yourself by taking different factors into consideration. Without further ado, let’s get started!
Important Factors to Consider when Choosing Mobile Networks for Data in Nigeria
For you to be able to choose the best mobile networks for your data, there are many factors that you should consider. These factors are important because the mobile network that works well in a particular region (let’s say a city) may not be efficient in the village. Let’s look at the factors briefly.
1. Location
One of the major factors that you should take into consideration when choosing a mobile network is your location. The truth here is that some mobile networks are more suitable in a particular region. For instance, during my NYSC program in Oyo State, Nigeria, I found out that the most reliable mobile network there is Glo. Because of that, I bought Glo SIM because my former mobile networks (Airtel and MTN) were not working optimally.
2. Data Cost
Another factor that you should also take into account when choosing a mobile network that is suitable for data in Nigeria is the data cost. Different mobile networks have amounts they sell their data, so you should check them out to enable you to choose the most suitable one for yourself.
3. Data plans
Data plan is also another important factor that you should consider when choosing a mobile network in Nigeria. All the popular mobile networks in Nigeria have their different data plans; hence, you should cross-check them to know the one that has a data plan that is suitable for you.
4. Internet speed
You should also consider the internet speed of the mobile network. The truth of the matter is that some of the mobile networks are faster than others when it comes to browsing speed. You should look out for those within your localitythat are using any of these mobile networks and ask them to recommend the one with best browsing speed for you
5. Customer service
The last important factor on our list that you should consider when choosing a mobile network is the network provider’s customer service. You should only choose mobile network providers that have track records of excellent customer service.
Now that you know the factors to consider, let’s proceed with the major topic of the day.
Best Mobile Networks for Data in Nigeria
In this section, we are going to x-ray the best mobile networks for data in Nigeria. Kindly go through it to choose the most suitable one for you.
1. MTN Mobile Network
MTN is the largest mobile network provider in Nigeria and beyond. Although it is not an indigenous mobile network provider, they have been operational in Nigeria for over two decades and have been providing telecommunication services, which is what they are best at.
MTN has different data plans for their subscribers; hence, it is worth considering if you need the best mobile network for data, especially if you reside in cities. Meanwhile, it is important to note that although MTN has a good mobile network for data due to their different data plans, their networks don’t function properly in some areas, especially in rural areas. This means that if you live in a hinterland, you should enquire from people within your area to ascertain whether the MTN network works optimally there before opting for it.
In all, if you want a mobile network with high internet speed that comes with relatively unlimited data plans, you can consider the MTN mobile network.
2. Airtel Mobile Network
Another mobile network on our list that is good for data is Airtel. This mobile network is owned by an Indian telecoms giant. Just like the MTN network, Airtel has different data plans that subscribers can choose from.
Airtel mobile network is idle for budget-conscious subscribers who want to spend little amount of money on data and still get enough value. This network also works in rural areas. However, the Airtel mobile network doesn’t have high browsing speed when compared to MTN.
3. Glo Mobile Network
When it comes to the best mobile network for data in Nigeria, Glo is always among the top players. Unlike other mobile networks discussed above, Glo is indigenous to Nigeria. It has wide network coverage, especially in the southwest part of Nigeria. Although Glo has wide internet coverage, their internet connection is not always stable and slow too.
The truth is that the Glo data plan is always cheap but sometimes it doesn’t last like MTN data. To this end, if you need cheap data without minding the browsing speed, then you should opt for the Glo mobile network.
4. 9Mobile Mobile Network
The last but not the least best mobile network for data in Nigeria on our list is 9Mobile mobile network. They have different data plans that are relatively affordable. Their mobile network is fast too. However, the major setback of 9Mobile is their limited network coverage. The coverage of this mobile network is not as vast as those discussed above.
So if you can manage a mobile network with good internet speed and competitive costs for data plans but limited coverage, you can go for 9Mobile.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which network is the best for data in Nigeria?
From our research, the best mobile network for data in Nigeria is MTN. it is the largest network provider in the country with good internet speed, wide network coverage, varieties of data plans, etc.
Which SIM is best for data?
The SIM that is best for data is MTN. They have different data plans that are suitable for their subscribers.
Which SIM gives unlimited data?
The SIMs that give unlimited data are MTN, Glo, and Airtel. If you need an unlimited data plan, you can opt for any of these mobile network providers, and you will be glad that you did.