Nigeria: How to activate 4G LTE data on mobile networks
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LTE (Long Term Evolution), another name for 4th generation mobile network technology that delivers faster data speeds, are growing among mobile networks in Nigeria.
In Nigeria, some mobile operator have launched the 4G service to provide improved user experience for Internet subscribers to deliver super fast broadband access, voice and SMS using the 4G LTE technology.
The deployment of the 4G LTE by some mobile and Internet service providers (ISPs) has no doubt come as cheery news for most subscribers who have been complaining about the slow service on the existing 3G and 3.5G networks.
With 4G LTE, subscribers can stream music and video, upload and download faster and can essentially use their mobile or tablet like a fixed line Internet connection.
Now that the 4G is available for everybody to enjoy, we are aware that most subscribers are yet to get to know how to activate this service on their smartphones.
We have outlined steps below to activate 4G LTE service on your mobile network:
MTN
On the MTN network, subscribers will need to swap their SIM for a compatible 4G SIM at MTN office or outlet close to them.
How to know which smartphone is compatible with the MTN 4G network
It is not every smartphone that is 4G enabled actually, and MTN has made it simple for their subscribers to confirm if their smartphone is 4G compliant.
- Simply text 4G to 131
- If your SIM and device is compatible, you are likely going to get a message that says “Yello! Your SIM and Device are 4G LTE ready. Simply dial *131# to activate a data plan for superfast 4G LTE experience within LTE locations”.
Also, to know if your location is covered by the MTN 4G, you can log on to the MTN website to see the 4G map or walk-in to any of their service centres nationwide.
According to MTN, the 3G data plans works on the 4G network as well. Below are the 3G data plans available on the MTN network.
| Data Plans | Price | Data Volume | Validity | USSD |
| Daily Plans | N100 | 30MB | 24 Hrs | Text”104″ to 131 |
| N200 | 100MB | 24 Hrs | Text”113″ to 131 | |
| Weekly Plans | N500 | 750MB | 7 Days | Text”103″ to 131 |
| Monthly Plans
|
N1,000 | 1.5GB | 30 Days | Text”106″ to 131 |
| N2,000 | 3.5GB | 30 Days | Text”110″ to 131 | |
| N5,000 | 10GB | 30 Days | Text “116” to 131 | |
| N10,000 | 22GB | 30 Days | Text”117″ to 131 | |
| 60 Days Plan | N20,000 | 50GB | 60 Days | Text”118″ to 131 |
| Quarterly Plans | N50,000 | 85GB | 90 Days | Text”133″ to 131 |
Globacom
Not too long ago, Glo launched its 4G LTE service in a big way by making it possible for subscribers in parts of several cities across the country including Lagos, to connect the new service. Port Harcourt, Abuja as well as Jos in Plateau State, Warri in Delta State, Eket in Akwa Ibom State, Benin City in Edo State, Yola in Adamawa State and Zaria in Kaduna State also have the opportunity to connect to Glo 4G LTE network immediately, the operator says.
Glo later announced additional coverage of some new locations that include Okada (Igbinedion University), Ekpoma (Ambrose Alli University), Bonny, Escravos, Forcados, Abraka (Delta State University), Agbor (College of Education), and Sapele (Western Delta University). The company intend to spread the 4G network across the nation soon enough.
How to get the Glo 4G LTE
Step 1: Get a LTE SIM from any Gloworld, Glozone and dealer outlet nationwide.
Step 2: Get a LTE Handset or Device from Open market or Gloworld.
Step 3: Buy your 4G-LTE data plan.
Glo 4G LTE Data Plans
| Plan Name | Price (N) | Data Volume | Validity | |
| Small Plans | 4G LTE 50 | 50 | 30MB | 1 Day |
| 4G LTE 100 | 100 | 60MB | 1 Day | |
| 4G LTE 200 | 200 | 200MB | 5 Days | |
| Medium Plans | 4G LTE 500 | 500 | 1.6GB | 7 Days |
| 4G LTE 1000 | 1,000 | 3.2GB | 30 Days | |
| Large Plans | 4G LTE 2000* | 2,000 | 7.5GB | 30 Days |
| 4G LTE 2500* | 2,500 | 10GB | 30 Days | |
| 4G LTE 3000** | 3,000 | 12GB | 30 Days | |
| 4G LTE 4000** | 4,000 | 18GB | 30 Days | |
| 4G LTE 5000** | 5,000 | 24GB | 30 Days | |
| 4G LTE 8000** | 8,000 | 48GB | 30 Days | |
| 4G LTE 15000** | 15,000 | 60GB | 30 Days | |
| 4G LTE 18000** | 18,000 | 90GB | 30 Days |
ETISALAT
All you require to enjoy Etisalat 4G LTE service is only a 4G enabled device. It doesn’t require a Sim change/swap like MTN and Glo. All you need to do is to verify the band your phone is to ensure it complies with their 4G LTE 1800 band. If you’ve met these requirements, you can subscribe to the data plans
| Plans | Price(N) | Ussd Codes | SMS To 229 | Validity |
| 1.5GB | 1,000 | *229*2*7# | AND1 | 30 days |
| 3.5GB | 2,000 | *229*2*8# | AND2 | 30 days |
| 6.5GB | 3,500 | *229*2*9# | AND3 | 30 days |
| 16GB | 8,000 | *229*2*5# | MB6 | 30 days |
| 22GB | 10,000 | *229*4*1# | SM1 | 30 days |
| Daily 10MB | 50 | *229*3*8# | MI3 | 24 hours |
| Daily 50MB | 100 | *229*3*1# | MI1 | 24 hours |
| 200MB | 200 | *229*2*10# | LCD | 7 days |
| 500MB | 500 | *229*2*12# | LCD2 | 30 days |
| quaterly plan (30GB) | 27,500 | *229*5*1# | 4M | 90 days |
| bi-annual plan (60GB) | 55,000 | *229*5*2# | 6M | 120 days |
| 100GB Plan | 84,992 | *229*4*5# | SM5 | 30 days |
| annual plan (120GB) | 110,000 | *229*5*3# | 12M | 365 days |
| 1GB (weekend plan) | 500 | *5995*2# | friday 11:59pm – sunday 11:59p |
Airtel
Airtel Nigeria is yet to kick off its 4G services in Nigeria, so let’s stay alert, and hope we get news before the year runs out.
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