Airtel Nigeria, the country’s second-largest telecom operator, has revised its data pricing structure, leading to significant changes in its internet plans. This update, which took effect recently, comes in response to rising operational costs, inflation, and foreign exchange fluctuations impacting the telecom industry.
Airtel’s New Data Plans: What Has Changed?
Airtel subscribers will now experience adjustments across daily, weekly, and monthly data bundles. The latest pricing reflects a shift in Nigeria’s telecom landscape, mirroring similar increases by competitors such as MTN Nigeria.
Updated Airtel Data Plans
Daily Plans:
- N50 for 40MB (valid for 1 day)
- N100 for 100MB (valid for 1 day)
- N200 for 200MB (valid for 3 days)
- N350 for 1GB (valid for 1 day)
Weekly Plans:
- N350 for 350MB (valid for 7 days)
- N500 for 750MB + 1GB YouTube Night + 200MB YouTube Music/Spotify (valid for 7 days)
- N500 for 1GB + 1GB YouTube Night + 50MB Socials (valid for 7 days)
- N500 for 2GB (valid for 2 days)
Monthly Plans:
- 3GB for N2,000 (previously 1.5GB at N1,200)
- 4GB for N2,500 (previously 3GB at N1,500)
- 8GB for N3,000 (previously 4.5GB at N2,000)
- 10GB for N4,000 (previously 6GB at N2,500)
- 13GB for N5,000 (previously 10GB at N3,000)
- 18GB for N6,000 (previously 15GB at N4,000)
- 25GB for N8,000 (previously 18GB at N5,000)
Despite the price increase, some packages remain unchanged, including the 5GB weekly plan for N1,500. Airtel assures users that the adjustments are necessary to maintain high-quality service and expand network coverage.
Airtel Call and SMS Price Adjustments
Alongside the data plan revision, Airtel Nigeria has increased call rates from 18 kobo per second to 25 kobo per second. Additionally, the cost of SMS has risen from N4.00 to N6.00 per message. This price hike aligns with similar adjustments made by other telecom operators, including MTN, Globacom, and 9mobile.
Why Airtel Increased Data Prices
The recent price adjustment follows approval from the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), which sanctioned a maximum tariff increase of 50% for telecom operators. The NCC cited the impact of rising operational costs and the need to sustain the industry as key factors behind the decision.
According to the NCC, this adjustment falls under Section 108 of the Nigerian Communications Act, 2003 (NCA). The commission emphasized that extensive consultations with stakeholders across the public and private sectors informed this decision.
What Airtel Subscribers Need to Know
- USSD Code for Airtel Data Plans: Dial *312# to check and subscribe to new data plans.
- Airtel SmartTRYBE and Other Bundles: While general plans have changed, some tariff plans remain unaffected.
- Customer Reactions: Subscribers have expressed mixed reactions, with some frustrated over increased costs, while others acknowledge the necessity given Nigeria’s economic climate.
Airtel Nigeria remains committed to delivering value despite economic challenges. The telecom giant reassures customers that the revised data plans aim to sustain service quality and support ongoing infrastructure expansion.
For the latest updates on Airtel’s data plans, visit their official website or dial *312# for current offers.