MTN and Airtel stand as the two dominant forces in the mobile telecommunications landscape, providing essential connectivity services to millions of subscribers. For consumers seeking the best value for their money, a detailed comparison of their offerings becomes crucial. This report aims to provide a comprehensive analysis across several key aspects, including their 5G network capabilities, overall coverage, customer service experience, data pricing and plans available, network reliability and consistency, country of origin, the suite of value-added services they provide, and the typical internet speed experienced by users. By examining these facets, this analysis will guide viewers in making an informed decision that aligns with their individual needs and priorities in selecting a mobile network provider.
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First up, 5G Network Capabilities
The advent of 5G technology has ushered in a new era of mobile internet with promises of ultra-fast speeds and low latency. Understanding the current status and capabilities of 5G networks offered by MTN and Airtel is essential for consumers looking to leverage this next-generation technology.
Current Status and Availability in Major Cities:
MTN took an early lead in the 5G race, launching its network in September 2022. Initially, coverage spanned seven major cities across Nigeria: Lagos, Abuja, Port Harcourt, Ibadan, Kano, Owerri, and Maiduguri. Within a year, MTN significantly expanded its 5G footprint, demonstrating a strong commitment to this technology. By May 2023, their 5G network had reached 13 cities, supported by an investment exceeding $120 million in infrastructure and the deployment of over 700 sites. In Lagos, as early as September 2022, MTN reported 5G coverage in 81 communities encompassing various key areas such as the Mainland, Island, Ikoyi, Lekki, and Ajah. The company’s ambitions extend further, with plans to cover between 40 and 50 cities by the end of 2025, focusing on high-population urban centers. This proactive approach positions MTN as a frontrunner in 5G deployment across Africa.
Airtel, on the other hand, entered the 5G market later, with a commercial launch in June 2023. Their initial rollout focused on four states: Lagos, Ogun, Abuja, and Rivers. While Airtel was a step behind in the initial launch, they have been actively building their 5G infrastructure, constructing at least 200 new 5G sites around the time of their launch. Airtel’s 5G strategy emphasizes urban areas, with coverage reported in Lagos Mainland (including Yaba and Ikeja), Victoria Island, Lekki, Ikoyi, as well as select districts in Abuja, parts of Kano, Kaduna, and some Southeastern cities. Their expansion plans aim to include approximately 30 additional locations in 2025, indicating a determined effort to increase their 5G reach.
The timeline and scale of deployment suggest that MTN currently possesses a broader 5G coverage footprint, particularly when considering areas beyond the initial launch states of Airtel. MTN’s early investment and extensive site deployment indicate a more mature and potentially more readily available 5G experience for users in a wider range of major cities.
Comparison of Advertised Speeds:
Both MTN and Airtel make impressive claims regarding the potential speeds of their 5G networks. MTN advertises download speeds reaching up to 10 Gigabits per second (Gbps), highlighting that this is 100 times faster than the maximum capability of 4G technology. This suggests a significant leap in internet speed for users in 5G-enabled areas.
Airtel’s advertised speeds are even higher, claiming “superfast” download speeds of up to 50 Gbps. This ambitious figure underscores the theoretical potential of 5G technology on their network.
However, real-world tests often reveal a discrepancy between advertised and actual speeds. For MTN, user experiences have shown download speeds ranging from 150 Megabits per second (Mbps) to an impressive 1.3 Gbps, depending on signal strength and location. Independent data from Ookla Speedtest Intelligence in the second half of 2024 reported a median 5G download speed of 231.39 Mbps and an upload speed of 17.35 Mbps for MTN. This data further supports MTN’s claim of being a leading 5G provider in West and Central Africa with the fastest download and upload speeds, as confirmed by Ookla.
Airtel has also seen significant speeds in real-world scenarios. Early testers in Abuja reported speeds between 400 and 800 Mbps, with peak speeds nearing 1 Gbps under optimal conditions. Ookla’s data for the same period (H2 2024) indicates a median 5G download speed of 174.66 Mbps for Airtel.
While both networks advertise exceptionally high theoretical 5G speeds, the independent speed test data from Ookla suggests that MTN currently achieves higher median 5G download speeds in practice. This indicates that users on MTN’s 5G network might, on average, experience faster download speeds compared to Airtel’s 5G network at this time.
II. Analysis of 5G Coverage Areas:
MTN’s 5G coverage extends to key areas within major cities. In Lagos, this includes Lagos Island, Ikeja, Victoria Island, and Surulere, as well as specific parts of Abuja, Port Harcourt, Ibadan, Kano, Enugu, Owerri, and Maiduguri. Furthermore, MTN has reported coverage in 81 Lagos communities, spanning both the Mainland and the Island, including areas like Ikoyi, Lekki, and Ajah. Their deployment of over 700 5G sites by May 2023 has enabled them to reach 13 cities across the country, including Abeokuta, Shagamu, Ifo, Warri, Enugu, Benin City, and Ife. This demonstrates a significant geographical spread of their 5G network.
Airtel’s 5G coverage initially focused on the states of Lagos, Ogun, Abuja, and Rivers. Within Lagos, their coverage includes the Mainland (Yaba, Ikeja), Victoria Island, Lekki, Ikoyi, and Surulere. Airtel’s strategy involves targeting major cities for their 5G rollout, with ongoing plans for further expansion.
Considering the information available, MTN Nigeria appears to have a broader geographical reach in terms of 5G coverage. Their presence in a larger number of cities, including semi-urban areas, suggests that consumers in more locations across Nigeria might have access to MTN’s 5G network compared to Airtel’s current footprint. While Airtel is actively expanding, MTN’s earlier start and more extensive reported coverage provide it with an advantage in this aspect.
Winner of the 5G Category:
Based on the current analysis, MTN Nigeria emerges as the winner in the 5G category. This is primarily due to their wider coverage, encompassing more cities across Nigeria, and the higher median 5G download speeds reported in independent tests. While Airtel Nigeria is making significant strides in expanding its 5G network, MTN’s current lead in both coverage and speed provides a more robust 5G experience for a larger number of users at this time.
III. Network Coverage (4G LTE, 3G, 2G)
Beyond the cutting-edge 5G technology, the reliability and reach of 4G LTE, 3G, and 2G networks remain crucial for ensuring consistent connectivity across the country, especially in areas where 5G has not yet been deployed.
Detailed Comparison of Coverage:
MTN has long been recognized for its extensive network reach across Nigeria. The company claims to cover approximately 89% of the Nigerian population, extending its services to numerous rural regions that other networks often struggle to reach. This widespread coverage is attributed to consistent investments in infrastructure, including the construction of more towers in remote areas. MTN utilizes advanced 4G and even 5G technologies in select areas, demonstrating a commitment to providing high-speed data services wherever possible. Independent reports corroborate MTN’s strong 4G presence, with one report from June 2023 indicating that MTN users experienced 4G coverage 75% of the time. By December 2024, MTN had further expanded its broadband coverage to an impressive 90.1%. Their dedication to rural connectivity is evident in the rollout of 912 new rural towers in 2021 and an additional 1,669 in 2022, significantly increasing broadband access in previously underserved areas.
Airtel also boasts nationwide network coverage, competing closely with MTN in terms of reach. A June 2023 report noted that Airtel offered 4G/5G coverage an average of 73% of the time, a figure very similar to MTN’s. Specifically for 4G, the same report indicated Airtel users had access 71% of the time. Airtel has also made significant commitments to expanding its coverage, particularly in rural areas, having received approval to construct 7,000 new telecom towers. While MTN is often perceived as having a historical advantage in rural coverage, Airtel’s recent initiatives suggest a strong focus on bridging the digital divide. Notably, a 2021 report by Umlaut ranked Airtel as the best in broadband coverage speed, indicating strong performance in areas where their network is available.
The data suggests that both MTN and Airtel provide excellent nationwide network coverage with high availability of 4G services. While MTN has historically held a strong position in rural areas, Airtel’s recent investments and reported high 4G/5G availability indicate that they are highly competitive across the country. Determining a definitive winner based solely on current data is challenging without more granular and recent coverage maps.
Coverage Maps and Independent Reports:
For consumers seeking detailed information about network coverage, official coverage maps provided by the operators and independent reports offer valuable insights. MTN Nigeria provides an official coverage locator. However, the available snippets suggest that detailed 5G information might not be readily accessible through this tool. Independent platforms like nPerf offer coverage maps for MTN, displaying 2G, 3G, 4G, and 5G availability based on user-submitted tests. These user-driven maps can provide a more real-world perspective on coverage.
Airtel also has a dedicated page for its 4G/5G coverage map. The snippet indicates this might be a loading page, suggesting that detailed information requires accessing the actual webpage. Similar to MTN, nPerf also provides coverage maps for Airtel, showing the availability of their various network technologies. It’s worth noting that Airtel India’s coverage map page emphasizes that such maps are approximations and actual coverage can vary due to various environmental and infrastructural factors. This caveat likely applies to coverage maps in general.
Independent reports play a crucial role in providing objective comparisons of network coverage. nPerf reports consistently analyze and compare the coverage of both MTN and Airtel across different technologies. The WePlan Analytics report from June 2023 offered specific data on the percentage of time users experienced 4G coverage on both networks. Additionally, the 2021 Umlaut report’s ranking of Airtel as best in broadband coverage speed provides another independent assessment. These independent assessments, especially those relying on user-generated data like nPerf, often offer a more accurate reflection of on-the-ground network availability and performance compared to potentially optimistic official maps. The consistency of data from platforms like nPerf makes them a valuable resource for comparing the coverage of different mobile operators.
Winner of the Nationwide Coverage Category:
Based on the available independent reports, both MTN and Airtel provide strong nationwide coverage with high 4G availability. While MTN has a history of wider rural reach, Airtel’s recent focus and reported high 4G/5G availability suggest they are equally competitive. Without access to more recent and granular coverage data, it is difficult to definitively declare a single winner. However, the consistently strong performance of both networks in independent assessments indicates that both are reliable choices for coverage across Africa
IV. Now Customer Service Experience
The quality of customer service can significantly impact a user’s overall satisfaction with a mobile network provider. Examining the support channels, responsiveness, and customer satisfaction levels for both MTN and Airtel is crucial for a comprehensive comparison.
Examining Support Channels:
MTN Nigeria offers multiple avenues for customer support. Subscribers can reach them via phone by dialing 300, through email at info@mtn.ng, and on various social media platforms including Facebook, Instagram, and X. For customers who prefer in-person assistance, MTN also has a physical address for inquiries. This multi-channel approach ensures that customers have various options to seek help based on their preferences and the nature of their inquiry.
Airtel also provides customer support through various channels. They also provide phone support, online chat, and social media. Airtel also offers a self-care mobile application called “My Airtel,” which is available for download on both iOS and Android app stores. This app provides users with the ability to manage their accounts, access support resources, and perform various self-service functions. Additionally, Airtel Uganda and other African countries list a toll-free number for broadband support, further expanding their support infrastructure.
Evaluating Responsiveness and Satisfaction:
A 2024 study conducted in the Enugu metropolis of Nigeria examined the factors influencing customer satisfaction with MTN Nigeria. The findings revealed that the attitude of complaint-handling staff and the waiting time for customer service significantly and positively impacted customer satisfaction. This suggests that MTN’s efforts in these areas are recognized by their users. Furthermore, a 2024 nPerf report indicated that MTN had the best average mobile internet latency in Nigeria. Lower latency can contribute to a perception of better responsiveness, especially in real-time applications and online interactions. Customer satisfaction metrics from Comparably show a Net Promoter Score (NPS) of 33 for MTN, with a high customer loyalty rate of 94%. Customer reviews on the platform suggest general satisfaction with MTN’s network quality, although there is always room for improvement. A study comparing MTN’s customer service in Cameroon and Nigeria found that Nigerian respondents rated MTN positively for network reliability and call center access.
In contrast, feedback regarding Airtel Nigeria’s customer service appears less positive in some areas. Online platforms, such as Reddit, contain threads detailing negative experiences with Airtel’s customer service. These accounts include allegations of unresponsiveness, failure to install services, rudeness from representatives, and unresolved billing issues. Reviews for Airtel’s “My Airtel” application on app stores also present a mixed picture. Some users report issues with bugs, a confusing user interface, and a poor overall user experience. A recurring complaint is the inability to access the app without an active data connection, which can be problematic for users needing to purchase data. The 2024 nPerf report also showed that Airtel had a higher latency compared to MTN, which could contribute to a perception of slower responsiveness. Nevertheless, Airtel gets praise for decent problem resolution times, and some tests even suggest they edge out MTN slightly in quality. Reviews are mixed, though—Many users report that Airtel’s method is less cumbersome and more responsive, with clear instructions and prompt follow‑up.
The available data suggests that MTN Nigeria generally enjoys a better customer service reputation compared to Airtel Nigeria. While both companies likely face operational challenges, the negative feedback found in online forums and app reviews for Airtel raises concerns about their responsiveness and overall customer satisfaction levels relative to MTN. The positive findings from the academic study, coupled with the higher NPS and customer loyalty scores for MTN, indicate a more favorable customer experience on average.
Winner of the Customer Service Category:
Based on the analysis of customer reviews, MTN has massive call centers and efficient service, which gives them an advantage in handling customer volume. Airtel’s resolution times are solid – its simplified, direct system minimizes hassle and shortens resolution times, making it a favorite for users who want swift, efficient support.
V. Data Pricing and Plans
Data pricing and the variety of available plans are critical factors for consumers when choosing a mobile network, especially in this age.
Detailing Data Plans:
In March 2025, MTN Nigeria implemented a price hike for its data plans, aligning with a 50% tariff increase approved by the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC). This adjustment led to revised prices across their daily, weekly, and monthly offerings. For instance, the monthly 2GB plan now costs N1,500 (up from N1,000), the 16.5GB plan increased to N6,500 (from N4,500), and the 20GB plan now stands at N7,500 (previously N5,500). Notably, MTN had earlier reversed a 200% tariff hike on some plans in February 2025 following customer backlash. Despite these adjustments, MTN continues to offer a wide array of data bundles, including plans specifically for accessing social media platforms like Facebook, WhatsApp, TikTok, and Ayoba. They also provide XtraValue bundles and international roaming bundles to cater to diverse user needs. For users in Lagos seeking home broadband solutions, MTN Fibre Broadband offers unlimited data plans with varying speed options.
Airtel Nigeria also increased its data prices in February 2025, following the NCC’s approval. Their revised monthly plans include 3GB for N2,000 (previously 1.5GB at N1,200), 4GB for N2,500 (from 3GB at N1,500), and 8GB for N3,000 (formerly 4.5GB at N2,000). Similar to MTN, Airtel offers a range of daily, weekly, and monthly data plans with varying data allowances and validity periods to suit different usage patterns. They also feature “Everyday-ON” plans that provide a fixed daily data allowance for the entire month, as well as social plans tailored for specific applications. For users interested in router-based internet access, Airtel provides specific unlimited data plans.
Both MTN and Airtel have responded to rising operational costs and regulatory changes by increasing their data prices in 2025. Airtel appears to provide a slightly broader range of unlimited data plans, particularly for their router offerings, for less money
Comparison of Costs, Allowances, and Validity:
To effectively compare the value offered by MTN and Airtel’s data plans, a direct comparison of plans with similar data allowances and validity periods is necessary. Examining the cost per MB provides a standardized metric for assessing cost-effectiveness. Additionally, any extra data allocations, such as night-time data or bundled services, can influence the overall value proposition.
Special Promotions and Bundles in Lagos:
Both MTN and Airtel offer various special promotions and bundles. MTN offers several social media-specific bundles, allowing users to purchase data specifically for platforms like Facebook, WhatsApp, and TikTok. Airtel also provides social plans that cater to similar needs. These app-specific bundles can be cost-effective for users who primarily use these services.
Winner of the Data Pricing Category:
Determining a definitive winner in the data pricing category is nuanced. While Airtel often provides a lower cost per MB on many of its data plans, particularly for larger monthly bundles, MTN frequently includes extra data allocations and bundled services that can enhance the overall value for certain users. The “best” choice will likely depend on individual data consumption patterns and preferences for specific types of bundles or cost-effectiveness.
VI. Network Reliability and Consistency
The reliability and consistency of network service are paramount for users, ensuring seamless communication and internet access. This section compares the performance of MTN Nigeria and Airtel Nigeria in these critical aspects.
Comparing Reliability and Consistency:
Independent reports from nPerf in 2024 consistently rank MTN as the leader in internet speed and overall mobile internet performance in Nigeria and other African countries. Ookla’s H2 2024 report further supports this, identifying MTN as having the fastest mobile network and the fastest 5G network, along with the best 5G gaming experience. These reports suggest a current advantage for MTN in terms of overall network performance.
However, historical data indicate that Airtel Nigeria has also demonstrated strong performance. Ookla’s Q3 2021 report rated Airtel as the fastest broadband network in Nigeria, and a Q2 2022 report from Ookla showed Airtel surpassing MTN in internet speed. Additionally, Airtel was ranked best in broadband coverage speed in a 2021 report.
Despite these periods of strong performance, both networks face significant challenges related to infrastructure vandalism, which often leads to service disruptions. Both MTN and Airtel experience frequent cuts to their fiber optic cables. Airtel has even attributed high call drop rates to infrastructure vandalism. In a move that could impact future reliability and coverage, MTN and Airtel entered into a network infrastructure-sharing agreement in 2025, aiming to improve cost efficiency and expand coverage, particularly in underserved areas. This collaboration has the potential to enhance the reliability and consistency of both networks in the long term.
Analyzing Network Outages:
Network outages are a recurring issue for both MTN and Airtel. These disruptions are often attributed to fiber optic cable cuts caused by vandalism, road construction, and other factors. A major internet outage in March 2024, caused by damage to multiple submarine cables, affected services across West and Central Africa, impacting both MTN and Airtel users. More recently, MTN Nigeria apologized for internet service disruptions experienced in Lagos in February 2025, and Abuja airport faced an internet outage in January 2025 due to a cut MTN fiber cable. These incidents highlight the vulnerability of telecommunications infrastructure in Nigeria and the challenges both operators face in maintaining uninterrupted service.
Average Network Speeds (4G and Other Technologies):
Reports on average network speeds vary depending on the source and the period of measurement. nPerf’s 2024 data showed MTN with an average download speed of 17.82 Mbps, while Airtel’s was 9.98 Mbps. Ookla’s H2 2024 report indicated a median mobile download speed of 24.25 Mbps for MTN and 15.38 Mbps for Airtel across Nigeria. However, earlier data from Ookla in February 2023 had Airtel slightly ahead with an average speed of 22.42 Mbps compared to MTN’s 21.71 Mbps nationwide. Similarly, a Q2 2022 Ookla report showed Airtel with a median download speed of 30.35 Mbps and MTN with 26.30 Mbps. The more recent data from 2024 suggests a trend where MTN is currently achieving higher average download speeds on its 4G network compared to Airtel.
User Reports on Network Stability:
Anecdotal evidence from online user reports, such as those found on Reddit, suggests that some users experience network instability with Airtel. Similarly, reports of MTN issuing apologies for network fluctuations indicate that they also encounter stability issues. While these user reports can be subjective and may not represent the experience of all subscribers, they provide qualitative insights into the real-world stability of both networks. The fact that both companies have publicly acknowledged and apologized for network disruptions suggests that maintaining consistent network stability is an ongoing challenge within the Nigerian operating environment.
Winner of the Network Reliability and Consistency Category:
Based on the most recent independent reports on average speeds and overall performance, MTN Nigeria appears to offer more reliable and consistent network services at this time. While both networks are susceptible to outages due to infrastructure challenges like fiber cuts, MTN’s consistently higher rankings in recent speed tests suggest a better overall performance for users. The future network-sharing agreement between MTN and Airtel could potentially lead to improvements for both in terms of reliability and coverage.
VII. Value-Added Services
Beyond core connectivity, both MTN and Airtel offer a range of value-added services to enhance user experience and foster customer loyalty.
Exploring Additional Services:
MTN Nigeria provides a suite of value-added services. it is widely understood that MTN offers a Mobile Money (MoMo) platform for financial transactions. They also provide various entertainment services, such as music and video streaming, and implement loyalty programs to reward their customers. MTN has publicly stated its commitment to bridging the digital divide and promoting financial inclusion in Nigeria. Furthermore, the MTN Nigeria Foundation invests in community-focused projects, demonstrating a broader commitment to social responsibility.
Airtel Nigeria also offers a range of value-added services. Similar to MTN, Airtel has its own mobile money platform, Smart cash, with plans for an initial public offering (IPO) in 2025, indicating a significant focus on this area. Airtel also likely provides entertainment services and loyalty programs to its subscribers. The company has engaged in partnerships aimed at expanding network coverage in rural and underserved areas. Additionally, the Airtel Africa Foundation supports digital skills programs in Nigeria, contributing to human capital development.
Winner of the Value-Added Services Category:
Due to the lack of detailed comparative information in the provided snippets, it is not possible to definitively declare a winner in the value-added services category. Both MTN and Airtel offer a similar range of services, and a true comparison would necessitate a deeper examination of the specific features and benefits of each offering within the Nigerian market.
IX. Internet Speed Experience in Cities (Independent Tests)
For users in a major city like Lagos, the typical internet speed experienced on a daily basis is a crucial factor in determining the value offered by a network provider.
Comparing Experienced Speeds:
Data from Ookla in the second half of 2024 indicated that Lagos recorded the highest median mobile download speed among major cities in Nigeria, at 40.26 Mbps, with MTN identified as the fastest provider in Lagos during this period. This suggests that, based on recent independent testing, MTN users in Lagos generally experience faster download speeds.
However, nPerf’s 2024 data, which covered the entire country, showed MTN with a download bitrate of 17.82 Mbps and Airtel with 9.98 Mbps. While this report did not provide Lagos-specific data, it still points to a higher average download speed for MTN on a national level.
Earlier reports from Ookla present a slightly different picture. In February 2023, their nationwide data showed Airtel with a faster average speed (22.42 Mbps) compared to MTN (21.71 Mbps). Similarly, a Q2 2022 Ookla report indicated that Airtel had a median download speed of 30.35 Mbps, while MTN’s was 26.30 Mbps, again based on nationwide averages.
User-reported experiences with 5G speeds in Lagos offer a glimpse into the potential of the next-generation network. MTN 5G users in well-served hotspots have reported speeds ranging from 500 Mbps to 1 Gbps. Airtel 5G users in Lagos have also indicated very high speeds, in the range of 400 to 800 Mbps. These reports, while anecdotal and likely location-dependent, confirm the potential for significantly faster internet speeds on both networks’ 5G infrastructure in Lagos.
Considering the most recent independent speed test data, particularly Ookla’s H2 2024 report, which specifically highlighted Lagos, MTN Nigeria appears to offer a better typical internet speed experience in Lagos currently. While earlier data showed Airtel leading in some speed tests, the more recent trend suggests an advantage for MTN in this key urban center.
Winner of the Internet Speed in Lagos Category:
Based on the most recent independent speed test data, MTN Nigeria appears to offer a better typical internet speed experience in Lagos.
VII. Country of Origin and Headquarters
MTN Group Limited is a South African multinational corporation. Its roots are in South Africa, where it was established in 1994. The headquarters of MTN Group are located in Johannesburg, South Africa.
Bharti Airtel Limited, operating as Airtel, is an Indian multinational telecommunications company. Airtel’s corporate headquarters are situated in New Delhi, India.
MTN has a significant operational presence across Africa and the Middle East.
Airtel operates in 18 countries across South Asia and Africa.
Both companies have established substantial operational bases and have a strong and long-standing presence in the African telecommunications market.
MTN Nigeria demonstrates strength in 5G network capabilities with wider coverage and higher reported median download speeds. Their nationwide coverage is extensive, with a strong historical presence in rural areas and high 4G availability. Customer service reviews and satisfaction metrics, MTN currently appears to provide more reliable and consistent network services with better average internet speeds in Lagos, according to recent independent tests.
Airtel Nigeria is rapidly expanding its 5G network, focusing on key urban centers. Their coverage is also robust, with comparable 4G availability to MTN, and they are actively working to enhance rural connectivity. Airtel often provides data plans with a lower cost per MB, offering potential savings for data-intensive users.
Determining the best overall value for money depends on individual priorities. For users prioritizing the most advanced 5G experience with wider availability and faster speeds, and who value a generally positive customer service experience, cost-conscious regarding data and are looking for potentially more affordable data plans.
Both networks offer extensive nationwide coverage and a range of value-added services. The choice ultimately hinges on what aspects of mobile service are most important to the individual consumer.
