If you can afford a 100GB mobile data plan, why not an unlimited data plan?

I hear that the data tariff increase by Nigerian telecom operators has created a new generation of ‘data analysts’. Unlike proper data analysts, however, this is not a paid job. Hordes of people are having to review the new tariffs too determine which plans are best suited for them.

A few days ago, someone mentioned that MTN’s 100GB mobile data plan used to be his go-to plan, but that it has now been removed. The first thing that came to my mind was, if this dude can afford a 100GB mobile data plan, why is he not considering moving to an unlimited data plan instead? Let’s look at the numbers and other factors.

MTN currently has a 150GB data plan that costs ₦35,000 monthly and another 150GB 2-month plan that costs ₦40,000. If you get on a fibre optic service provider instead (assuming that there is one covering your residence), you would spend ₦15,000 to ₦20,000 and be able to use your Internet service with no limits on what you can download or upload. Even if you were to pick an unlimited plan costing ₦35,000 or ₦40,000 monthly, you would still be far better off being able to use the Internet without any volume limits.

The Advantages

Fibre Internet connections are not susceptible to interruptions by weather situations like wireless mobile Internet connections are. As such, they tend to be much more stable and dependable.

Unlimited data plans via fibre are truly unlimited. There are no fixed user policies (FUP) that limit your speed after some usage. You will use 300GB, 500GB, 1TB, monthly without any issues. Use your data to your satisfaction without any worries.

The Problems

The number one problem with fibre optic service is that it isn’t mobile; you have service only at home. If you work from home, this is perfect for you. But even if you have to go out to work every day, it is still likely the best option for you. All you have to do is subscribe to a small data plan for when you are on the road and do your heavy browsing, downloads and uploads when you are at home.

Must you watch TikTok and Instagram videos when you go out? If you are out for work, concentrate on the job. If you are out on a date, face your beautiful or handsome date and pay them the attention they deserve. Enjoy time with the boys or girls without the distraction of scrolling through social media. Enjoy the drive or ride to the office and take in the scenery. I am an advocate of not being on your smartphone all the time when you are out and about.

Leave heavy duty data usage for when you get home which is where there are no limits on your Internet usage. See how your quality of life improves.

The second problem is speed. Unlimited data plans for Home service are usually limited by speed. Most have their lowest plans providing a maximum of 15 Mbps. Top plans tend to cost in the region of ₦60,000+ and provide up to 150 Mbps. These speeds are below what 5G data plans from MTN and Airtel are capable of. But are you really missing out on much? For most users, 15 Mbps is good enough for watching YouTube, Netflix, Prime Video, and ShowMax without buffering. And like I have mentioned before, you can pick an unlimited Home plan that costs ₦35,000 and get 30 Mbps speed or thereabout.

Depending on where you live, a third problem is power supply. Your Home Internet router needs backup power for when Ikeja Electric or Ibadan Electric or Abuja Electric strikes. If you can afford it, go full turbo and get a solar-inverter installation for your home. Barring that, you can get a capable router UPS that can provide at least six (6) hours of power for your router.

I really think that if you can afford to pay for a 100GB data plan, you should consider switching to a Home Internet service with unlimited data. Check this list of the top ISPs for Unlimited Home Internet Service in Lagos and a similar list for Abuja.