Looking for a data plan to power your MiFi or router in 2025? MTN, Airtel, Glo, and 9mobile each have special deals. Discover which offers the best cost per GB, coverage, and activation tips for seamless multi-device browsing.

A MiFi (mobile Wi-Fi hotspot) or router (4G/5G-enabled device) transforms a SIM card’s internet into a Wi-Fi signal for multiple devices—laptops, phones, smart TVs, etc. Instead of buying separate data plans for each phone, you can centralize your connectivity. Many telecom operators in Nigeria reward this approach by offering data bundles specifically designed for MiFi or router usage: often larger volumes and longer validity.

In 2025, as more people work from home or run digital businesses, these specialized “home internet” or “router” packages are crucial. But which network stands out for coverage, volume, and cost per MB? Here, we’ll dissect MTN’s MiFi deals, Airtel’s router plans, Glo “Always On,” and 9mobile “Homebase” packages—offering key insights on how to get the best out of your device.

MTN MiFi & Router Plans

MTN invests heavily in coverage and 5G expansions, so their router bundles can be pricier but deliver reliable speeds.

Popular MTN Router Plans (Monthly)

• 75GB @ ₦20,000 (30 days)
• 150GB @ ₦35,000 (30 days)
• 250GB @ ₦55,000 (30 days)
  Many come labeled “Broadband” or “Wakanet.” Some might have extra night data or weekend bonuses.

Activation

• SIM Registration: Typically, you insert a specialized data SIM in the router.
• USSD: If your router supports SMS/USSD, dial *312#. Or manage via the MyMTN NG app on a connected device.
• Coverage: Check if your area supports 4G or 5G. If 5G is available, you might get blazing speeds, though the device cost is higher.

Pros & Cons

• Pros:
• Exceptional coverage, stable network.
• High-volume plans good for families or small offices.
• Cons:
• Premium pricing.
• Might need 5G-compatible MiFi for top speeds in 5G zones.

Airtel Router Data Plans

Airtel positions some of its big data bundles as “home broadband,” which you can load onto a 4G or 5G router.

Key Plans

• 40GB @ ₦10,000 (30 days)
• 75GB @ ₦15,000 (30 days)
• 120GB @ ₦20,000 (30 days)
• Some newly introduced 5G-friendly plans might be labeled “Airtel UltraHome,” offering 200GB+ for higher budgets.

How to Subscribe

• Via the Airtel Thanks app or *141# → “Router/Home Plans.”
• If your MiFi has a web interface, you can manage data purchase using your bank card or USSD (through a phone connected to the router’s Wi-Fi).

Strengths & Weaknesses

• Strengths:
• Competitive pricing (e.g., 75GB at ₦15k).
• Good urban coverage; might have 5G in select cities.
• Weaknesses:
• Speeds can vary drastically if you’re not in a well-served 4G or 5G zone.
• Some router bundles require a special SIM or activation.

Glo MiFi Data Plans

Glo often undercuts competition on cost per GB, though coverage is the big question.

Typical Bundles

• 60GB @ ₦10,000 (30 days)
• 100GB @ ₦15,000 (30 days)
• 150GB @ ₦20,000 (30 days)
• 225GB @ ₦30,000 (30 days)
  In many states, Glo calls them “Mega Data” or “MIFI Data Packages.” Often you see them under *777# → “Broadband” or the Glo Café app.

Activation Steps

• Insert the Glo SIM into your MiFi or router.
• Use a phone or PC connected to that router to dial *777# (if it supports USSD) or go to Glo’s HSI portal (http://hsi.glo.com) to buy data.
• Glo Café app is another method, but you must have an alternate internet connection or run the app from a phone using the same SIM.

Pros & Cons

• Pros:
• Possibly the lowest cost per GB in 2025 if coverage is strong.
• Large volumes well-suited for heavy streaming or multiple users.
• Cons:
• Coverage can be spotty in rural areas.
• Some accounts of slower speeds even in 4G zones.

9mobile MiFi & Home Data Plans

9mobile typically positions “Moreblaze” or “Homebase” packages for routers. Their advantage is stable speed in major cities.

Available Plans

• 40GB @ ₦10,000 (30 days)
• 75GB @ ₦15,000 (30 days)
• 120GB @ ₦20,000 (30 days)
• Some lines might see higher tiers like 200GB or 300GB if you dial *200# → “Home Internet.”

Purchasing

• If your router supports SMS/USSD, dial *200# to see the “Homebase” or “Broadband” list.
• The 9mobile app also shows bigger data combos if your SIM is identified as a “router SIM.”

Upsides & Downsides

• Upsides:
• Quality speeds in Lagos, Abuja, Port Harcourt.
• Often includes free night data or streaming MB.
• Downsides:
• Generally pricier per GB if not on promo.
• Rural coverage is limited.

Cost per GB Comparison Table

Below is an approximate snapshot of each network’s monthly router plan around ₦15,000–₦20,000:

Prices and volumes can vary by promo or region. Always confirm via official USSD or apps.

4G vs. 5G MiFi Devices

4G MiFi is cheaper and widely available, suitable if your area only has 4G coverage. 5G MiFi or routers cost more (₦30k–₦100k or beyond) but unleash drastically higher speeds if your network has 5G coverage. Key differences:

• Speeds: 5G can exceed 1 Gbps in ideal conditions, while 4G typically ranges 5–100 Mbps.
• Availability: 5G is still limited to major city clusters in 2025.
• Future-Proof: Investing in 5G gear might be wise if your city is on the cusp of expanded coverage.

Choosing the Right MiFi/Router

1. Unlocked vs. Network-Branded: Some operators sell locked routers. You can only use that network’s SIM. Unlocked devices let you switch networks at will.
2. Battery Life: MiFis have internal batteries—handy if you face frequent power cuts. Routers often require mains power but can support more devices.
3. Supported Bands: Ensure your device has the right frequency bands for your network’s 4G or 5G signals. For instance, some 5G devices might skip certain band deployments used in Nigeria.

Practical Setup Tips

• Optimal Placement: Put the router or MiFi near a window or high vantage point to get better signal. Sometimes a difference of a few feet can double speeds.
• Check Data in Real-Time: Many MiFi devices have a web interface (192.168.x.x) or an app to see data usage, signal strength, or send USSD codes.
• Data Rollover: If your plan allows renewal before expiry, you can keep leftover data. Make sure you watch the expiration date.

Specialized “Home Internet” Promotions

Some networks run seasonal promos:

• MTN “Wakanet Home”: Bundles hardware + monthly data discount.
• Airtel “UltraHome”: Possibly free night usage or YouTube streaming.
• Glo “Jumbo Home”: Extra volume for new sign-ups.
• 9mobile “MoreFlex Evolution Home”: Combined voice + data discount if used on a router SIM.

Check each brand’s official website or social pages to confirm current promotions.

Budgeting for Multi-User Households

If you have 3–5 users in a home, you might consider ~100GB monthly. Light browsing plus occasional video can fit 100GB, but if everyone streams in HD frequently, you may need 150GB+ or an “unlimited” plan. Evaluate your typical usage:

• Basic Browsing + Social: ~2GB per user monthly.
• Streaming: HD video can consume 1GB/hour.
• Remote Work: Zoom can use 400–800MB/hour.
• Gaming: Large updates (5–50GB) are not uncommon.

With multiple users, a 75GB plan can vanish quickly, so consider bigger packages if you can afford them.

Common Problems & Solutions

Slow Speeds:

• Move the router to a better location.
• Check if you’re near your plan’s data limit (some networks throttle once you approach the cap).
• Switch from 4G to 3G or vice versa to see if coverage is better on a different band.

Activation Failure:

• Ensure the SIM is registered for data bundles.
• If the router is locked to a different network, it won’t accept your SIM.
• Contact customer care or try an official app.

Overuse:

• Monitor usage. If data runs out mid-month, you might need a bigger plan or supplement with night bundles.

The Unlimited Angle

Some might wonder: “Should I just get an unlimited plan?” Indeed, there are unlimited or “truly unlimited” claims in 2025, but most have Fair Usage Policies. If your usage is extremely high (300GB+ monthly), a big MiFi plan can get pricey, so unlimited may be better. However, for families using ~50–100GB, the targeted router bundles often cost less than unlimited offers with throttling thresholds.

Example Scenario

Case: The Adekunle Family

• 4 users: 2 parents working from home, 2 teenagers streaming Netflix and YouTube.
• They check coverage: Glo’s 4G is decent, but MTN is stronger at night. They want at least 100GB monthly.
• Glo has 100GB for ₦15,000. MTN’s 100GB is around ₦25,000. The family decides to test Glo for a month, saving ₦10k. Speeds are acceptable for daytime Zoom calls and evening streaming.
• They place the Glo MiFi near a window for better signal. By the end of the month, usage is about 90GB, so they’re within budget.
• If speeds had been too slow, they would have tried an MTN or Airtel SIM in the unlocked MiFi.

Conclusion

A MiFi or router-based data plan is an excellent solution for multi-device connectivity—no more juggling multiple phone SIM subscriptions. In 2025, each Nigerian network—MTN, Airtel, Glo, 9mobile—offers specialized big-volume deals for home or office use. The top considerations include:

• Coverage: Strong signal ensures stable speeds and less frustration.
• Cost per GB: Glo often leads in raw affordability, but MTN or Airtel may deliver more consistent performance in broader areas.
• 4G vs. 5G: If your city has 5G, investing in a 5G router can future-proof your setup.
• Plan Volume: From 40GB monthly for light usage to 300GB for heavy streaming, there’s an option for every family or small business.
• Router Compatibility: Decide between an unlocked device or a network-locked one that might come with discounts.

By analyzing your monthly consumption patterns and coverage constraints, you can pick the plan that matches your budget and performance needs. Whether you’re a small household, a freelancer hosting Zoom meetings, or a student communal apartment needing robust Wi-Fi, there’s a MiFi or router bundle to keep you connected seamlessly.