The communication sector in Nigeria is currently witnessing high demand on mobile data in the last few years, this is due to the increasing usage of smartphones, more internet users and ever growing consumption of data. To tackle this issue, most Nigerian telecom operators have come up with what is referred to as “unlimited” data plans with a view of allowing unlimited use of the internet.
However, the question arises: However, are these plans really unlimited as they are described by the companies offering these plans? This article answers the question “Are Unlimited Data Plans in Nigeria Really Unlimited?” based on real data and user experience.
The Fine Print: Fair Usage Policies (FUPs)
While the term “unlimited” sounds enticing, most data plans in Nigeria, including those labeled “unlimited,” come with a caveat: this is the so-called the Fair Usage Policy (FUP). This policy is effectively making a suggestion that, although you have a virtually limitless amount of data that you can use, your Internet connection speed will slow down after you use a specific amount of data.
For instance, MTN Nigeria, one of the foremost telecom operators in Nigeria, provides their clients with unlimited data plans but restricts clients data usage after they have consumed a specific amount of data. Their speeds reduce from 4G to 3G or even 2G depending on what limitation FUP puts on the user’s data usage leading to a poor browsing and streaming experience.
Here’s how FUPs typically work:
- Data Cap: Each plan has a specific data threshold. Once you exceed this limit, your internet speed is significantly reduced.
- Speed Reduction: After hitting the FUP, you might experience speeds as low as 512 kbps or even slower, making browsing and streaming difficult.
- Plan Tiers: Some providers offer multiple “unlimited” plans with varying FUP limits. The higher the plan, the higher the FUP threshold.
Telecom Operators and Their Policies
MTN Nigeria
These packages include the various classes of the MTN Nigeria unlimited data plan though this is inclusive of FUP. For instance, the “Unlimited Plus” plan features high-speed data with defined thresh, once this limit is achieved, the speed is limited. Some of the complaints given by the users are that when the data limit is attained, some processes like the use of video, online gaming gets to be a bit difficult due to slow connection.
Airtel Nigeria
Airtel Nigeria also has packages which are unlimited but come with FUP (Fair usage policy) limitations. Known as the “Unlimited Ultra” plan, this too is labeled as an unlimited plan but it limits the amount of data that can be used. Excessive use of this aspect reduces their internet speed meaning high usage of bandwidth activities will be slowed down.
Glo Nigeria
Just like Glo Nigeria’s social bundle, these are unlimited data plans but come with high-speed data up to a limit before slowing down. The following are some of the user complaints about this FUP system: Many users have noted a drastic reduction of speed when the FUP limit is reached which is not good for any big-data processing tasks.
9mobile
9mobile also has a number of options for unlimited data plans which have FUP. They have policies that state after using a given limit in terms of data, the ISP speed is slowed down. This throttling is agreed to help manage congestion on the network; however, it can be considered a negative for those who always need fast internet.
User Experiences and Feedback
Some of the positives that have been observed based on the feedback collected from the Nigerian users are as follows. Some value the low cost and the possibility to use these tariffs for simple activities like internet surfing and using social networks. However, the usual grumbling is the dramatically slower connection speed once a user gets through the data limit. This throttling can make some activities such as streaming videos, having virtual meetings, and downloading large files difficult if not impossible.
According to a survey by Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), one of the main reasons for data depletion is excessive usage. “If you use your phone to stream videos or music, download large files, or use data-intensive apps for a long time, your data limit can quickly be depleted,” it said. The customers’ complaints were based on the opaque model of the provider and the misconception related to the word “unlimited” used to promote the plans.
According to Nariametrics “Specifically, mobile network operators comprising MTN, Airtel, Globacom, and 9mobile have been at the centre of consumer complaints about data depletion.”
Transparency and Marketing
Among the major factors that have characterized the debate on the unlimited data plans in Nigeria is the marketing techniques from the telecom operators. Indeed, the term ‘unlimited’ is very prominently advertised but the FUP information is usually placed in small print. Such opaqueness results in confusion and anger among users who consciously or unconsciously are aware of unrestricted usage as offered.
In view of this, some consumer advocacy groups in Nigeria have urged telecom operators to be more specific in their statements. They request especially the providers to explain to the consumers about the fact that the unlimited plans come along with data caps and speed throttling afterward. More so, the public gets to make informed decisions with realistic expectations depending on the level of transparency prevailing in the online environment.
Alternatives to Unlimited Data Plans
Since not all have access to unlimited data plans some users have opted for other means to satisfy their data requirements. One such option is to buy huge amounts of data packages, which offer a decent amount of MBs without the sting of slowing down the connections. Also, there is still a need for other internet at home. These are fiber internet or wireless broadband internet services because they provide more reliable and continuous high-speed internet services.
For instance, Spectranet and Smile Communications are providers of wireless broadband services in Nigeria with different packages that include a high amount of MBs downloaded. These services can be an alternative option for the users who need uninterrupted high speed internet rather than mobile data FUP.
Also NCC advised subscribers to always monitor their data usage, turn off background data usage for specific apps, and switch off automatic updates.
Conclusion
Are Unlimited Data Plans in Nigeria Really Unlimited? I believe this article has answered your query. Altogether, with an assertiveness of having ‘unlimited’ data plans in Nigeria, the following is the considered truth about it. Consumers are prevented from enjoying excellent internet speeds by policies such as Fair Usage Policies that a telecom operator puts in place, whereby, upon reaching a specific data usage magnitude, the speeds are limited. Because of this, the above plans can still be considered as having some limitations even though most people would understand this as being unlimited.
Thus, understanding the inefficiency of the strategy of unlimited data plans, users in Nigeria can consider the other effective options for using data.
As the consumption of mobile data increases year by year it is being expected from the telecom operators to come up with more of the unlimited service except the one limited by FUP. For now, it is up to the users to read between the lines and look for all possible opportunities to select the best one for their Internet connection.