MTN hourly data bundles in 2025 offer affordable rates and high-speed connectivity for short-term use. Choose from 2GB, 5GB, or 10GB options—all at ~₦0.10 per MB.
Below is a quick rundown of MTN’s hourly data bundles, sorted by Cost per MB. Fortunately, all three share the same cost per MB in the data table, which simplifies your choice—just pick the plan size you need.
2GB Hourly Bundle
- Volume: 2GB
- Validity: 1 hour
- SMS to 312: Send 126 to 312
- USSD Code: *312*126#
- Price: ₦200
- Cost per MB: ~₦0.0977
5GB Hourly Bundle
- Volume: 5GB
- Validity: 1 hour
- SMS to 312: Send 127 to 312
- USSD Code: *312*127#
- Price: ₦500
- Cost per MB: ~₦0.0977
10GB Hourly Bundle
- Volume: 10GB
- Validity: 1 hour
- SMS to 312: Send 128 to 312
- USSD Code: *312*128#
- Price: ₦1,000
- Cost per MB: ~₦0.0977
Verdict: A Tie
All these plans come at roughly 10 kobo per MB. The best bundle among these depends on how much data you anticipate using in that hour:
- If you only need data for a video meeting or a moderate file download, the 2GB Hourly Bundle (₦200) is affordable.
- If you need even more, such as extended HD streaming or large software updates, go for the 5GB or 10GB versions.
How to Purchase MTN Hourly Data Bundles
Via SMS
- Simply text the plan activation keyword (e.g., 126 for 2GB Hourly) to 312.
- Wait for confirmation, which often arrives within seconds.
Via USSD Code
- Dial the corresponding USSD code (e.g., *312*126#) on your phone.
- Follow the on-screen prompts to confirm.
- You’ll receive an SMS confirmation once the plan is active.
Online Purchase
- You can buy these data bundles on SmartSMSSolutions .
- Sign up or log in, select “Data,” choose MTN, then pick your preferred plan and complete payment.
- Your data is instantly activated on the MTN line you specify.
Regardless of which method you choose, ensure you have at least the exact amount (or more) in your MTN airtime balance or your linked payment method (e.g., MoMo wallet, bank card) to avoid any payment failure.
Tips for Maximizing Your 1-Hour Data Window
- Plan Your Downloads or Streaming
- Queue up any downloads, software updates, or videos you plan to watch before activating the bundle.
- Use a Reliable Network Signal
- For the best experience, confirm you have strong 4G or 5G coverage to fully capitalize on that hour.
- Monitor Data Usage
- Keep an eye on your usage to avoid hitting the data cap prematurely.
- Activate When You’re Ready
- Since the validity is strictly 1 hour, don’t dial the code too early. Start right when you’re set to use it.
Common Use Cases of Hourly Data Bundles from MTN
- Remote Work and Conferencing: If you need a single hour of stable, high-volume data for a webinar or video call, these bundles are perfect.
- Large File Transfers: Software updates, game downloads, or large file uploads can easily consume gigabytes in minutes.
- Short, Intensive Browsing: If you’re researching, reading articles, or streaming short content, the 2GB plan may suffice.
- Students and Researchers: Perfect for downloading e-books, lecture notes, or educational videos without paying for an entire month.
Comparing Hourly Plans to Other MTN Bundles
Although hourly bundles have a competitive cost per MB, they are most beneficial when you consume most (or all) of your allocated data within that hour. If you only plan to use a few hundred MB, you might find a daily or weekly bundle more cost-effective overall.
For instance:
- 1GB Daily Plan (₦200) offers 24 hours but at a cost per MB of ~₦0.20, which is higher than the ~₦0.10 of the hourly plan. However, you get a whole day to use it rather than just an hour.
- 2.5GB Daily Plan (₦500) has the same cost per MB of ~₦0.20, but with a full 24-hour window.
Hence, the hourly plan stands out if you have a high-data activity that can be completed quickly.
Are Hourly Plans the Cheapest Overall?
From a pure cost-per-MB perspective, some large, long-validity bundles (like the 1TB Yearly Plan at ₦0.0977/MB) tie with the hourly plan’s rate. However, the total cost of a 1TB plan (₦100,000) is obviously not practical for short-term usage. Meanwhile, the hourly plan is extremely budget-friendly if you only need data for a single hour.
Frequently Asked Questions
- What Happens If I Don’t Finish My Data Within the Hour?
- Once the hour is over, any remaining data becomes inaccessible. The bundle expires automatically.
- Can I Purchase Multiple Hourly Bundles in a Single Day?
- Yes. You can buy the same hourly bundle several times in a day. Each new subscription restarts the clock on your hour of validity.
- Does MTN Allow Data Rollover with Hourly Plans?
- Typically, no. Rollover is generally reserved for daily, weekly, and monthly plans, provided you renew before your existing plan expires.
- Can I Share My Hourly Data Bundle?
- MTN does not currently offer SME data share or data gifting for these short-term hourly bundles. They’re designed for personal, immediate usage.
- Are There Any Extra Bonuses?
- No specific bonuses (like free YouTube data) apply to these hourly bundles. They simply provide raw data volume for one hour.
Buying Hourly Data on SmartSMSSolutions
All the hourly bundles above are also available on the SmartSMSSolutions portal . This can be especially useful if you’re outside Nigeria and want to purchase data for a friend or family member back home. The platform lets you pay securely with international payment methods. Once payment is confirmed, the data is instantly credited to the intended MTN line.
Key Benefits of Using SmartSMSSolutions:
- Instant Activation: Data hits the recipient line almost immediately.
- Multiple Payment Options: From cards to bank transfers and beyond.
- User-Friendly Dashboard: Purchase, track usage, and manage phone numbers with ease.
If you’re looking for blazing-fast connectivity at a fraction of the cost for a short period, MTN’s hourly data bundles in 2025 are tough to beat. All three (2GB, 5GB, and 10GB) share a similar cost per MB (~₦0.10) , so your decision should revolve around how much data you realistically need within that one hour.
- Go for 2GB (₦200) if your usage is moderate.
- Choose 5GB (₦500) or 10GB (₦1,000) if you expect larger downloads or intense video streaming.
Either way, these plans ensure you don’t overpay for time you won’t use. And if convenience matters, remember you can also buy them directly via SMS (126, 127, or 128 to 312), USSD (*312*126#, etc.), or online at SmartSMSSolutions .
In the grand scheme of MTN data plans—ranging from daily to yearly—this category stands out for short, data-intensive tasks. If that’s your use case, these plans are a top pick in 2025.