In today’s digital age, staying connected to the internet is no longer a luxury, but a necessity. With the rise of mobile devices and social media, our reliance on mobile data has increased exponentially. However, the cost of mobile data can be a significant burden on our wallets. As one of the leading telecommunications companies in Africa, MTN offers a range of data plans to its customers. But, have you ever wondered how to get MTN data cheap?
Understanding MTN Data Plans
Before we dive into the ways to get MTN data cheap, it’s essential to understand the different data plans offered by the company. MTN provides a variety of data plans to cater to different customer needs and budgets. These plans range from daily, weekly, and monthly subscription options to megabyte-based and gigabyte-based plans.
MTN’s data plans can be broadly classified into three categories:
- Pay-as-you-go (PAYG) plans: These plans charge customers for the data they use, with no fixed monthly subscription.
- Postpaid plans: These plans require customers to pay a fixed monthly fee for a specific amount of data.
- Prepaid plans: These plans allow customers to purchase a specific amount of data for a fixed period.
Ways to Get MTN Data Cheap
Now that we have an understanding of MTN’s data plans, let’s explore the ways to get MTN data cheap.
1. Take Advantage of Data Bundles
One of the most effective ways to get MTN data cheap is to purchase data bundles. These bundles offer a specific amount of data at a discounted rate, making them a more affordable option than paying for individual megabytes or gigabytes. MTN offers various data bundles, including:
- Daily bundles: These bundles offer a specific amount of data for a 24-hour period.
- Weekly bundles: These bundles provide a larger amount of data for a 7-day period.
- Monthly bundles: These bundles offer a large amount of data for a 30-day period.
To purchase a data bundle, simply dial the MTN data bundle code (*131#) and select the bundle that suits your needs.
2. Use Data-Saving Apps and Browser Extensions
Data-saving apps and browser extensions can significantly reduce your data consumption, resulting in lower data costs. These apps and extensions compress data, block unnecessary content, and optimize page loading to minimize data usage. Some popular data-saving apps and browser extensions include:
- Opera Mini: A mobile browser that compresses data and saves up to 90% of data.
- Google Chrome’s Data Saver: A browser extension that reduces data consumption by blocking unnecessary content and compressing images.
- Facebook Lite: A lighter version of the Facebook app that consumes less data.
3. Utilize Wi-Fi Networks
When possible, use Wi-Fi networks to access the internet instead of relying on mobile data. Wi-Fi networks are generally faster and more affordable than mobile data. Many public places, such as cafes, restaurants, and libraries, offer free Wi-Fi, making it an attractive option for those looking to reduce their mobile data costs.
4. Optimize Your Mobile Device’s Data Settings
Your mobile device’s data settings can significantly impact your data consumption. To get MTN data cheap, optimize your device’s data settings by:
- Turning off background data usage: Restrict background data usage for apps that don’t require it.
- Limiting data usage for specific apps: Set data usage limits for individual apps to prevent excessive data consumption.
- Disabling location services: Turn off location services for apps that don’t require it, as they can consume significant amounts of data.
5. Take Advantage of Promotions and Offers
MTN frequently offers promotional data plans and discounts to its customers. Keep an eye on MTN’s website, social media, and advertising campaigns to stay informed about these offers. You can also dial *131# to check for available promotions and offers.
6. Consider a Data-Only SIM
If you have a dual-SIM phone or a tablet, consider using a data-only SIM. Data-only SIMs are specifically designed for data usage and can be more affordable than traditional SIMs. MTN offers data-only SIMs with various data plans, making it an attractive option for those who require large amounts of data.
7. Share Data with Family and Friends
If you have a large data plan, consider sharing it with family and friends. MTN’s Data Share feature allows you to share your data with up to five devices. This can be a cost-effective way to provide internet access to multiple devices while reducing the overall cost of data.
8. Use Offline Apps and Services
Offline apps and services allow you to access content without requiring an active internet connection. These apps and services download content in advance, reducing the need for real-time data consumption. Examples of offline apps and services include:
- Offline YouTube: Allows you to download YouTube videos for offline playback.
- Offline Google Maps: Enables offline navigation and mapping.
- E-book readers: Allow you to download e-books for offline reading.
Additional Tips to Get MTN Data Cheap
In addition to the above methods, here are some additional tips to help you get MTN data cheap:
- Monitor your data usage: Keep track of your data consumption to avoid overspending.
- Avoid streaming high-definition content: Streaming high-definition content consumes large amounts of data. Instead, opt for lower quality streaming options.
- Use data compression tools: Data compression tools, such as Opera Turbo, can reduce data consumption by compressing web pages and images.
| Data Plan | Data Allocation | Validity Period | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Daily Bundle | 100MB | 24 hours | N50 |
| Weekly Bundle | 500MB | 7 days | N200 |
| Monthly Bundle | 1GB | 30 days | N500 |
By following these tips and strategies, you can significantly reduce your MTN data costs and stay connected to the internet without breaking the bank. Remember to always monitor your data usage and adjust your data plan accordingly to avoid overspending.
What is the cheapest MTN data plan available?
The cheapest MTN data plan available is the MTN Daily Data Plan, which offers 20MB of data for as low as ₦50. This plan is ideal for light internet users who only need to check their emails, browse social media, or send messages. You can also opt for the MTN Weekly Data Plan, which offers 150MB of data for ₦300, suitable for moderate internet users.
However, it’s essential to note that these plans have a validity period, and the data balance will expire if not used within the specified time. Additionally, these plans are only available for MTN subscribers, and you need to have an active MTN SIM card to enjoy these offers.
How can I purchase MTN data at a discounted rate?
You can purchase MTN data at a discounted rate by taking advantage of their promotional offers. MTN occasionally launches special deals and discounts on their data plans, especially during festive seasons or special events. You can check their website or visit an MTN store to stay updated on their current promotions. Additionally, you can also join their loyalty program, MTN Rewards, to earn points that can be redeemed for discounted data plans or other perks.
Another way to get discounted MTN data is by purchasing in bulk. If you’re a heavy internet user, you can opt for their larger data plans, such as the MTN Monthly Data Plan, which offers 1GB of data for ₦1,000. This plan is more cost-effective than purchasing smaller data bundles frequently. You can also consider sharing data with friends or family members to split the cost.
Can I rollover my unused MTN data?
Yes, MTN allows you to rollover your unused data, but only if you purchase another data plan within the same validity period. For instance, if you purchase the MTN Monthly Data Plan and only use 500MB, you can rollover the remaining 500MB to the next month if you purchase another monthly plan before the expiration date. However, it’s essential to note that the data rollover policy may vary depending on the specific plan you’re using.
To rollover your data, simply dial *131# to check your data balance, and then purchase another data plan within the same validity period. Your unused data will automatically be rolled over to the new plan. This feature is convenient for users who don’t want to waste their unused data and want to make the most of their subscription.
How can I check my MTN data balance?
You can check your MTN data balance by dialing *131# or by using the MyMTN app on your mobile device. Once you dial the USSD code, you’ll receive a prompt response with your current data balance and expiration date. Alternatively, you can log in to the MyMTN app, navigate to the “Account” section, and click on “Data Balance” to view your current data balance.
It’s essential to regularly check your data balance to avoid overspending or running out of data unexpectedly. You can also set up data usage alerts on your phone or through the MyMTN app to receive notifications when your data balance falls below a certain threshold.
Can I share my MTN data with others?
Yes, MTN allows you to share your data with other MTN subscribers. You can use the MTN Data Share service to share your data with up to five beneficiaries. To share your data, simply dial *131# and follow the prompts to add beneficiaries. You can also use the MyMTN app to manage your data sharing settings and add or remove beneficiaries.
When you share your data, the beneficiaries will be able to use your data balance to browse the internet, but they won’t be able to check your data balance or manage your account. As the data owner, you’ll still be responsible for managing your account and data usage.
What happens if I exceed my MTN data limit?
If you exceed your MTN data limit, you’ll be charged for the excess data usage at the rate of ₦0.002 per kilobyte. To avoid excessive data charges, you can set up data usage alerts on your phone or through the MyMTN app to receive notifications when you’re approaching your data limit. You can also purchase additional data bundles to top up your account and avoid extra charges.
It’s essential to monitor your data usage regularly to avoid unexpected data charges. You can dial *131# to check your data balance and usage history. Additionally, you can use data-tracking apps or features on your device to monitor your data usage and stay within your limit.
Can I use MTN data abroad?
Yes, MTN offers roaming services that allow you to use your data abroad. However, data roaming rates vary depending on the country you’re visiting and the type of data plan you have. Before traveling abroad, it’s essential to check MTN’s roaming rates and plans to avoid excessive data charges.
You can opt for MTN’s roaming data bundles, which offer discounted rates for data usage in specific countries or regions. You can purchase these bundles through the MyMTN app or by dialing *131#. Additionally, you can also set up data usage alerts to monitor your roaming data usage and avoid unexpected charges.