We Tried Airtel’s SmartConnect 5G Router — Here’s What ₦25,000 Gets You
- Airtel Nigeria has launched the SmartConnect 5G router, offering a free device, free installation, and unlimited internet
- The router uses an outdoor unit (ODU) design for stronger connectivity, and includes a backup battery to withstand power outages
- The package is considered competitive compared to fibre alternatives, making it a practical option for families and small businesses
When Airtel Nigeria announced the launch of its SmartConnect 5G router, the promise sounded tempting: a free device, free installation, and unlimited internet for ₦25,000 monthly. We decided to take a closer look at what subscribers actually get and whether it lives up to the hype.
First Impressions
The SmartConnect isn’t your regular indoor router. It’s an ODU (Outdoor Unit) device, designed to be installed outside the house or office. That matters in Nigeria because walls, buildings, and other obstacles often weaken indoor signals.
With the ODU format, the router picks up a stronger connection and delivers it indoors through a cable. Straight away, that makes it a more reliable option compared to standard indoor routers.
Airtel also sweetens the deal: for ₦25,000, you get the router, a SIM card, free installation, and 30 days of unlimited internet. After the first month, you can subscribe to either ₦25,000 per month for speeds up to 50 Mbps or ₦45,000 per month for speeds up to 100 Mbps.
Using the Device
The setup was simple. Airtel’s technicians handled the outdoor installation and ensured the signal was stable before leaving. Once connected, we linked up smartphones, laptops, and a smart TV without hassle. The router can support multiple devices simultaneously, so even busy households and small offices won’t feel restricted.
The accompanying battery pack is a thoughtful feature. During a three-hour power outage, the router stayed on, keeping everyone online for work, streaming, and payments. In Nigeria, where electricity supply is unpredictable, this is a big plus.
Speed and Performance
Performance varies depending on location. In Lagos, during off-peak hours, speeds were smooth enough for HD streaming and video calls without lag.
At peak times, speeds may dip slightly just as you’d expect, but browsing and social media still worked fine. Airtel says the router automatically falls back to 4G LTE in areas where 5G coverage isn’t strong. That flexibility makes it usable nationwide.
Value for Money
Compared to alternatives, SmartConnect’s pricing looks competitive. Fibre internet, while faster in some places, is limited to certain neighbourhoods and often costs more. For families and small businesses that consume a lot of data, Airtel’s unlimited plans could save money.
“With SmartConnect, we are making sure every household and every small business has an affordable path to high-speed internet,” said Dinesh Balsingh, CEO of Airtel Nigeria, at the launch.
Marketing Director Ismail Adeshina added, “People want reliability and confidence that their router will stay online even in the face of power cuts or network fluctuations.”
Verdict
The Airtel SmartConnect 5G router delivers what it promises: a free device, free installation, and unlimited browsing once you subscribe. Speeds can fluctuate, but the ODU design, battery pack, and multiple device connections make it a strong option for homes and small offices.
At ₦25,000 a month, it may well be worth the spend for heavy users, families, and small businesses.
Source: Legit.ng
