Etisalat Nigeria has announced a reduction in their EasyBlaze tariffs, as follows:

200MB – N1,000 – Dial *229*2*6#
500MB – N2,000 – Dial *229*2*2#
1.5GB – N4,000 – Dial *229*2*4#
Night & Weekend – N4,000 – Dial *229*3*3#

To check your data balance anytime – just dial *228#

Opera Software has announced the availability of Opera Mini 6.5. This latest version of the server compression based browser is available for java-compatible phones, as well as smartphones running Symbian, BlackBerry and iOS.

Opera Mobile 11.5 has also been released for Symbian users.

To download, point your mobile browser at mini.opera.com.

I have used scores of phones in the course of my work here at The Mobility Company. The Nokia N9, which I currently use, is number 67.

I also have a SIM card for every GSM network in the country, so I am able to interchange SIMs in each and every one of the phones I handle so as to compare performances.

That experience cannot be purchased in the market and comes in handy. I’ll use something that happened with the N9 in the last few days as an example.

Because I have an MTN SIM that had been cut down to microSIM size months back for iPad use, it was this SIM that I initally put in the N9. During that period, because I wasn’t subscribed to an MTN internet bundle, all data connectivity on the N9 was via Wifi (I have a Mifi device running Etisalat Easyblaze).

All through that time, the N9 performed fluidly. No hiccups. No slowdowns. All activity was zippy.

Suddenly, the Picture Changed
However, a few days ago, I noticed occasional slowdowns and pauses while using the N9. I wondered what could be wrong. Earlier today, I had to share my Glo HSI via the built-in hotspot app, but found that the connection kept breaking.

That was when I remembered. I had gotten my Glo SIM trimmed down to microSIM size and put it in the N9 some days back and was using Glo’s internet service on the device.

Here’s the catch: Glo’s data service has been troublesome for a while. The connection terminates at random, and even just hybernates as well.

Now, here was what was happening: with all of two email accounts, Facebook, Twitter, and Skype always looking for a connection at the same time, and the connection breaking and disappearing at will, this resulted in the pauses and slowdowns that I observed on the N9.

Switching back to the more stable Wifi connection solved the problem. The N9 went back to being zippy. I remember experiencing this with every other device that I have reviewed.

The Point
Your network data stability affects the performance of your phone, affects how fast your email is fetched or sent, affects how fast or at times how well web pages are rendered, and affects how long the device runs for.

If you want to arrive at sound conclusions concerning a device, especially one that depends on an always-on connection for multiple services and apps, try out the device on connections from multiple sources. You will be surprised at the variations in performance that you will notice.

Your network data stability affects the performance of your phone, affects how fast your email is fetched or sent, affects how fast or at times how well web pages are rendered, and affects how long the device runs for.

Device Comparisons
When comparing two devices that rely on an internet connection, it is better to share the same Wifi connection between them to get more accurate results. Different SIMs in the devices will likely result in slightly skewed statistics. Even SIMs from the same network (believe it or not) may result in skewed statistics.

In A Nutshell
Don’t be quick to conclude that an internet-connected mobile device is bad because it is being sluggish or freezing if you haven’t tried it out with alternative stable internet connections. For all you care, it could simply be that it is your network operator who is messing with your head.

I knew I was going to get your attention with that heading.

It is really very simple: when you load N500 or N1,000 airtime on your Glo line, you receive bonus data on your line, whether you are aware of it or not.

PS: Perhaps I should also mention that I am on Glo Infinito. I do not know if the situation is the same across all Glo prepaid packages.

Here’s how to find out what bonus data you’ve got: dial 124 and press 1 to listen to the nice lady tell you your account balance. Do keep a pen and paper handy, as she speaks out your data balance; it gets pretty long!

I checked mine earlier this morning and found mine had accumulated to 80GB over the last several months. Great. Its browsing time!

How To Use Your Bonus Data
The trick is, your bonus data can only be used with Glo’s Glodirect configuration settings, so you have to use those. Here they are:

Configuration name: Glodirect
APN: glosecure
Username: gprs
Password: gprs

So, go enjoy your bonus internet. And don’t forget to say Thank you to Glo.

Thanks to Spacyzuma for the tip-off.

Warning: If you use the Glodirect settings without having bonus data available, your airtime will be used for every connection you make.

I just got a tip-off from Shayman about new mobile internet bundles from MTN Nigeria. The new monthly plans are:

• 250MB @ N1,300, text 109 to 131
• 500MB @ N2,000, text 110 to 131
• 1GB @ N3,500, text 111 to 131

This information has not been verified by us, but I think I can stick my neck out considering the source.

Yesterday, I reported from the Easyblaze launch event and gave you key info about the service. Today, I present the Easynet data plans, tariffs and subscription codes.

Here is also a quick FAQ for your convenience.

How do I setup the easy blaze USB modem?
All you have to do with the easyblaze USB modems is put in you already registered and activated Data SIM card, install the USB software on your PC and then connect. You only have to install the software once and the modem is auto-detected by your PC every time you put it in.

Can I share my easyblaze Broadband internet with other users?
To share your Easyblaze connection, you need to purchase either a MiFi Router (supports up to 5 users) or our wireless routers (supports up to 20 users). Once you put your data SIM card and set it up, you can share your connection.

How do pre-paid subscribers get these plans?
You can get these plans by simply recharging your prepaid SIM card and dialing the appropriate Subscription Code or via SMS Keywords.

How do post-paid subscribers get these plans?
New post-paid subscribers can be activated by visiting the shops or call the customer care ‘200’ while an existing subscriber can use any of the subscription codes to activate any of the data plans.

Can an existing easynet subscriber’s upgrade to the 3G services?
Existing subscribers need to use the applicable codes in order to subscribe to easyblaze broadband plans.

Do I always need a Data-Only SIM Card and USB Modem to use these plans?
No. You can use easyblaze broadband plans on your phone and regular etisalat prepaid SIM card.

Can I still make calls and get SMS while using the data plans?
This is device dependent. Please note that not all USB modems support Voice Calls and SMS. However, if you are using your phone with the 3G data plans, you may still be able to make/receive calls and SMS.

How can check the amount of data remaining on my data plan?
Simply dial *228# to confirm your data balance.

In case I forgot the subscription code or SMS keyword, what should I do?
Texts “help” to “299”, and then follow through, the instruction.

What happens when my data plan is exhausted?
When your plan is finished you will go back to your Pay-As-You-Go rate at 5kobo/ kb.

The Mobility team was invited to attend the official launch of Etisalat Nigeria’s broadband mobile internet service (branded Easyblaze) at the Lagos Oriental Hotel.

Find below some key information about Easyblaze.

10 Quick Facts about Easyblaze

1. easyblaze is Etisalat’s high speed broadband internet service
2. It operates on a 3.75G HSPA+ technology that can achive top speeds of up to 42Mbps
3. HSPA+ means – High Speed Packet Access
4. HSPA+ is the latest release of the 3G technology versions
5. Etisalat is the only GSM operator in Nigeria to offer 3.75G HSPA+ broadband internet service.
6. easyblaze enables Etisalat subscribers faster internet browising and downloads, video calling, live video streaming, interactive online games, live music streaming online and more.
7. easyblaze is currently accessible in Lagos, Ibadan, Abuja, Port Harcourt, Akwa, Nnewi, Warri, Kaduna, Kano, Zaria, Enugu, Onitsha, Aba, and Benin.
8. easyblaze has several data plans including 200MB, 500MB, 1.5GB, Night & Weekend, 3G and 6GB.
9. easyblaze is accessible using 3G enabled devices such as Smartphones, Tablets, USB modems, Routers and MiFis.

There are a number of new features available with this service as follows:

• Auto-renewal: Automatic renewal allows subscribers to purchase any of our data plans, as long as the subscriber has sufficient airtime credit in his account.
• Data Roll-Over: This allows a subscriber to rollover unused MB of the current data plan provided a new data purchase can be made before the end of validity period of the unused or active data plan.
• Product speed cap: Ability to apply cap on the speed per product and PAYG speed cap.

The Huawei U8180 Codename "Gaga" is sleek, and costs only N20,000

Apparently, Etisalat Nigeria is in partnership with Huawei for terminal supply, as a list of Huawei devices were available, including the sexy, budget Android smartphone, the Huawei U8180 “Gaga” phone, and the E5 Mifi device for connecting up to 5 devices via Wifi.

The Mifi also a Huawei product

I must admit, to my shame, that I am one of those Nigerians who think that the price we pay for internet access is exhorbitant. Of course, this kind of thinking is based absolutely on ignorance of what is happening in other parts of the world. Had we been properly informed and educated, we would know that we are in Heaven in Nigeria as far as internet access is concerned.

For example, when you recharge with N200 on Etisalat, you get 15MB of data free to use for the monthweek. We should simply ask ourselves, Does this happen on Etisalat in other parts of the world? While I haven’t done my research, my guess is that the answer to that question will most definitely surprise us.

I recently came to South Africa to live and work. Naturally, I would need to choose an internet plan to use so I can continue to represent Mobility and keep in touch with the world. I had been told that as far as tarrifs go, MTN is the network to look at. So I decided to continue the tradition of “Every Where You Go”.

You can imagine my surprise when I checked out their prices for the different range of internet bundles they offer, and compared it with what obtains on MTN in Nigeria. The difference was too clear. The tariffs for internet access on MTN South Africa are certainly higher than that of MTN Nigeria.

Here Is The Comparison
For starters, Pay-as-you-use internet on MTN SA cost R2.00 Per MB (N40.00).
On MTN Nigeria, it cost 155kobo per KB which translates to N50.00 per MB

1day plan with 150MB data cap on MTN SA cost R50.00 (N1,000.00).
The same plan on MTN Nigeria costs N500.00

1GB data plan on MTN SA cost R289.00 (N5,780.00)
The same plan on MTN Nigeria costs N5,000.00

2GB data plan MTN SA cost R389.00 (N7,780.00)
5GB data plan MTN Nigeria cost N8,000.

As we can see, the figures speak for themselves. In my uneducated opinion, I would expect that internet tarrif in SA would be cheaper as they don’t need to power their cell sites with generators, and they do not need to spend money on diesel to keep those generators running like their Nigerian counterparts do.

For all it is worth, MTN Nigeria and other networks are working miracles to bring us internet access at the price they do, given all they have to deal with in our environment.

Glo really wants you to “Rule Your World” with the launching of the Blackberry Complete. Just found this on Glo’s website and I think it’s worth sharing with you all, especially the blackberry owners.

BlackBerry® complete plan is another exclusive BlackBerry® bundle service which is available with no other operator in Nigeria. You can not only stay connected to your social circle but also get 1 integrated e-mail address with app world and internet browsing.

Activation

If you are an existing Glo subscriber and having BB Smartphone handset , please Text ‘CoMonth’ to 777 to subscribe Complete Monthly plan OR text ‘CoWeek’ to777 OR Text ‘CoDay’ to 777 and enjoy 24 hour pack for just N100

*Fair Usage Applies

Description

BBM + BBMail + BB-Built Social Networking & IM Apps + Internet Browsing + App World + Option for 1 integrated email address

Start Enjoying this offer

Etisalat recently acquired the 3G license awarded to Alheri Engineering, and it seems that they have been hard at work setting things up. My Etisalat SIM now delivers 3.5G service wherever there is coverage.

Etisalat’s 3.5G network is not as extensive as their 2G network yet, but I’m hoping that they will be more ambitous in their rollout than the other networks have been.

Then, we can experience better competition in the mobile broadband space.

GSM network operator, GloMobile, have launched a new series of internet plans targeted at handsets, smarthones and tablets. The plans are:

• Instant Surf – 24 hour validity, 10MB data, N100. Dial *127*51# to subscribe
• One Week – 7 day validity, 50MB data, N400. Dial *127*52# to subscribe
• Always Micro – 30 day validity, 200MB data, N1,000. Dial *127*53# to subscribe
• Always Macro – 30 day validity, 1GB data, N3,000. Dial *127*54# to subscribe

Customers can also text ‘menu’ to 127 to get more details about the above plans.

Source

The Globacom website has been updated to reflect enhancements to some of the company’s bundle Internet plans.

Glo Always Min now offers 3GB bundle data instead of the old 1.5GB allowance. Subscription fee is still N5,000.

Glo Always Micro now offers 200MB as against the old figure of 150MB. Cost remains N1,000.

G300 now offers 9GB from the old 4GB data allowance.

Source