Airtel Nigeria has launched a new product called SmartConnect, a 5G Outdoor Unit (ODU) router designed to provide reliable and fast internet connectivity to households and small businesses. The router is offered at an entry cost of ₦25,000, which includes a SIM card, free installation, and a complimentary 30-day unlimited data bundle with speeds of up to 50 Mbps. After the initial 30 days, customers can choose from two flexible plans: ₦25,000 monthly for unlimited 50 Mbps or ₦45,000 monthly for unlimited 100 Mbps.
The SmartConnect router is designed to capture stronger and more stable signals, ensuring uninterrupted connectivity even in dense urban and peri-urban areas. It also features nationwide usability with access to Airtel’s 5G network where available, seamless fallback to 4G LTE, and multi-user capability supporting up to 64 simultaneous device connections. Additionally, the device has a built-in power backup that lasts up to five to six hours during electricity outages, as well as parental and usage controls for managing browsing access.
According to Dinesh Balsingh, CEO of Airtel Nigeria, the company’s mission is to democratize access to technology, and SmartConnect is designed to remove the barriers of cost and complexity. The product is designed with the Nigerian reality in mind, taking into account the need for reliability and confidence in internet connectivity, even in the face of power cuts or network fluctuations.
The SmartConnect router can be purchased at Airtel showrooms nationwide, online, or through sales executives. Subscriptions and bundle renewals can be managed through the Airtel Africa App, the company’s broadband portal, USSD code, or QR code. With Nigeria’s broadband penetration currently standing at around 43%, Airtel’s SmartConnect 5G ODU router provides a scalable and affordable solution to address this gap, aligning with the government’s national broadband and digital economy goals.