Unlimited 4G Router-only plans you should consider (MTN and Airtel)

Victory Emmanuel -

MTN and Airtel offer special plans designed for routers, giving you uninterrupted, high-speed internet as long as you’re in a 4G coverage area. With these plans, you don’t have to worry about data running out mid-task, and they’re perfect for anyone who needs a stable home connection in Nigeria.

Let's explore the best unlimited 4G router bundles from MTN and Airtel, including prices, activation codes, and extra tips to maximise your internet experience.

💡Ensure that the router you use is unlocked and supports the frequency bands used by MTN and Airtel in your area.

Related Article: New codes to share data on MTN, Airtel, Glo and 9Mobile in 2024

MTN Unlimited 4G Router plans

Whether you've got a Huawei, ZTE, or TP-Link router, or you prefer one of MTN's own devices, there's an MTN plan for you. And the good news is, you don't necessarily need an MTN-branded router. Any unlocked 4G LTE router will work with their plans, though you might miss out on those pre-configured settings and special promotions that come with MTN's own devices.

Below is the wide range of options MTN has to offer:

  • 40GB + 5GB YOUTUBE combo | 30 days | ₦10,000
  • 80GB combo | 30 days | ₦15,000
  • 150GB | 30 days | ₦20,000
  • 300GB | 30 days | ₦30,000
  • 400GB | 30 days | ₦45,000
  • 550GB | 30 days | ₦60,000
  • 1.5 TB | 30 days | ₦165,000

How to subscribe to MTN Router plans

You can subscribe using the following channels: 

  • USSD: Dialing *312*500# or *461*1# and selecting your preferred data plan
  • myMTNApp: Text myMTN to 5018 to download the app.
  • myMTN Web
  • MTN TopIt/VTU
  • Zigi

How to check my MTN Router plan balance

You can do this using:

  • USSD: Dialing *461*4# or *312*500#
  • myMTNApp: Text myMTN to 5018 to download the app.
  • myMTN Web
  • Zigi

Fair Usage Policy (FUP): MTN's "unlimited" plans have a Fair Usage Policy, which means your speeds might be reduced after you reach a certain data limit. Be sure to check the specific details of your chosen plan. 

💡If you're using a third-party router, you might need to manually configure the APN settings to match MTN's requirements. Check their website or contact customer service for the correct settings.

Router plans on the MTN App.

Airtel Unlimited 4G Router Bundles

Similar to MTN, Airtel’s 4G data plans work with any unlocked 4G LTE router. Airtel also provides their own branded routers as well, which are optimised for their network and may include additional benefits like data bonuses or easier setup.

  • Unlimited Ultra Router Bundle-30GB | 7 Days | ₦5,000
  • Unlimited Ultra Light-120GB | 30 Day | ₦15,000
  • UnlimitedUltrastandard-200GB | 30 Days | ₦20,000
  • Unlimited 20 30Days | 30 Days | ₦20,000
  • Unlimited Ultra Diamond - 300GB | 30 Days | ₦30,000
  • Unlimited 40 30Days | 30 Days | ₦35,000
  • Unlimited 60 30Days | 30 Days | ₦50,000
  • Unlimited Ultra Platinum - 550GB | 30 Days | ₦60,000

How to subscribe to Airtel Router Bundles:

There are a few ways you can activate your Airtel Router bundle:

  1. Web:
    • Visit airtel.com.ng/broadband from your browser.
    • Choose your desired router plan and activate it.
    • Click on ‘Buy Now’ to complete the process.
  2. USSD:
    • Dial *370# on your smartphone.
    • Follow the prompts to activate your router plan.
  3. Visit an Airtel Store:
    • Go to the nearest Airtel store to get assistance with activating your plan.

How to check my Airtel Router Broadband balance:

Once you’ve subscribed, you can check your balance through various methods:

  1. Airtel Thanks App:
    • Open the app and navigate to the home screen.

Select your prepaid account and tap on ‘Account Balance’ to view your data balance and validity.

Airtel Thanks App
  1. Web Interface:
    • Connect your device to the Airtel 4G router.
    • Open a browser and enter 192.168.0.1 in the address bar.
    • Use ‘admin’ for both the username and password (default login).
    • Go to the ‘Information’ section and select ‘Data Usage’ to check your balance and validity.
  2. USSD Codes:
    • Dial 1211# to view the balance for your unlimited packs.
    • Alternatively, dial *323# to check your data balance and validity.

Fair Usage Policy (FUP): Airtel’s unlimited plans come with a Fair Usage Policy, where speeds are typically reduced after consuming 150GB of data.

Related Article: How to set up the MTN 5G router and connect to your mobile device

Alternatives to MTN and Airtel unlimited 4G Router bundles

- Spectranet Unlimited Bundles

- Tizeti Unlimited data plans

- Swift Unlimited data bundles

- Smile Freedom plans

- Galaxy Backbone UltraPlus subscriptions

How do I manage my router’s data usage?

One of the best ways to monitor and manage your router’s data usage is through your provider’s app. Modern routers often come with app-based management tools that allow you to track how devices around your home are using data. This can be especially helpful in identifying which devices are consuming the most data and how to adjust usage habits—something particularly useful for families. 

For instance, MTN and Airtel both provide features where you can select your Wi-Fi network and view all connected devices and their data usage over time. The usage can be customised for periods of up to 60 days. Whether it’s excessive streaming on TikTok or unexpected data consumption from work-related video calls, these tools help you pinpoint the source and take action.

In addition to tracking usage, you can also set data usage alerts to stay on top of your consumption. For MTN users, the MyMTN app or dialling *131*4# allows you to receive notifications when you approach certain data limits, helping you avoid overages. 

To further optimise your data usage, adjusting settings on data-heavy applications can make a significant difference. For instance, lowering the streaming quality on platforms like Netflix, YouTube, and Spotify to 480p rather than HD can save substantial amounts of data. 

You can also disable automatic updates for apps and software, choosing instead to update them manually when connected to Wi-Fi. Limiting background data for apps that don’t need constant updates is another effective strategy, which can be easily managed through your phone’s settings. Browsers like Chrome or Opera also offer data-saving modes that compress web traffic, reducing the amount of data consumed while browsing.