Last Update on May 03, 2019.
We are pitching the tent of MTN against that of Globacom in our MTN vs Glo 4G network comparison. The result we want to achieve is to guide you on the better network out of the two in terms of 4G LTE connection. It is necessary to do this comparison as these two are currently the two biggest GSM network in Nigeria. MTN and Glo announced their 4g LTE services in 2016 and they have both been growing from strength to strength ever since. Sadly, there will always be one winner and that is what we are here to determine.
Why do you Need to Upgrade to a 4G Network?
Before I proceed with the definition of 4g LTE, let me play around some teasers; Have you ever wished to be able to fully back up your phone’s or pc data in cloud storage in Nigeria? For example, for those using high-end phones like iPhone, Samsung, Sony, HTC and so on, you always discover you that you have like 50gb to 100gb free storage on your phone “cloud storage” like Microsoft one drive and about 15gb free on your google drive. But as far as you are concerned, all of these are useless to you because of slow and inconsistent internet connection in Nigeria. Personally, I cannot even backup my WhatsApp chats to my google drive because it takes like an eternity to complete except am doing so overnight.
Have you ever wished to play online multiplayer games on your PlayStation / Xbox console, mobile phone or computer? Well, if you are on the same page with me, you will know that even the fastest 3g network will lag when playing online games on console or pc.
If you have also wished to simply upgrade your computer’s or phone’s software anytime any day without having to abandon every other internet dependent activities on your phone, then nothing does it better than a 4G LTE network.
Is your own situation that of a person who craved to perform multiple internet-dependent activities simultaneously, then you need a good 4g solution. For example, with the 3g network, if you are downloading a file with download accelerator on your computer, you dare not attempt to stream quality videos or watch IPTV at the same time. otherwise, you will end up slowing down your download speed.
What is 4G LTE?
LTE (Long Term Evolution) stands for the 4th generation of telecommunications technology that delivers very high data speeds. With LTE, you can enjoy HD Video Streaming, Video and voice calls, superfast downloads, online gaming and so much more. LTE offers faster download and upload speeds that will considerably improve your internet experience. With LTE you can stream music and video, upload and download faster. You can essentially use your mobile or tablet like a fixed line internet connection.
Especially Relevant:
MTN vs Glo 4G Network: Which is Better Between?
To be honest, I will advise you to stick to whichever network between the two that is faster and more stable. In my own experiences, glo mobile would have been the ultimate if not for the fact that Glo is not so reliable in most areas when it comes to internet services. MTN is the most reliable and most consistent data network in Nigeria. As if that is not enough, they have the widest data coverage in the. Therefore, I love to hate MTN while I hate to love Glo. For now, both MTN covers only major cities in Nigeria, and they both promise fully nationwide coverage in the future.
In a nutshell, MTN has a wider 4G coverage than glo, and MTN kind of 4G technology supports more devices than that of Glo.
Which Phone is Recommended for MTN or Glo 4G Network in Nigeria?
Let me sound a strict warning here. Please ensure that your device supports 4g LTE for the network you want to use it with before you buy it. In addition, the best way to know is to read the user manual or contact your phone’s supplier for advice before you buy the device.
Most late 2016 phones by all these Chinese companies now come with 4g LTE capability. A 4g sim card has been tested on phones like Tecno Camon c9, Tecno phantom 6 plus, Infinix hot. Most brand name smartphones providers like Apple, Samsung HTC has 4g LTE. e.g from iPhone 5s to the current one, you can use 4g LTE. For others, do your research especially when using some older models of Samsung phones. In A Nutshell, please ask before you pay for any phone you are buying for 4G LTE
How to Get Started With MTN Nigeria 4G Network Service
WHY DO I NEED TO GET LTE?
LTE offers faster download and upload speeds that will considerably improve your internet experience. With LTE you can stream music and video, upload and download faster. You can essentially use your mobile or tablet like a fixed line Internet connection.
HOW AM I CHARGED FOR 4GLTE?
With 4GLTE, you simply use your current data plan and you are charged according to your current plan rates.
HOW DO I CHECK FOR COVERAGE INFORMATION?
Coverage information is available online at www.mtnonline.com/4G.
DO 3G DATA PLANS WORK ON 4G?
Yes your regular data plans works on 2G, 3G and 4G.
WHAT DO I NEED TO CONNECT TO 4G/LTE?
You simply need a USIM, an LTE compatible device and be in an area covered by 4G.
HOW DO I KNOW IF I HAVE A USIM?
Simply text 4G to 131 from your mobile device. You will receive an SMS telling you if your SIM or device is 4G/LTE ready.
WHERE CAN I GET A 4G DEVICE
Visit the nearest MTN store or any phone store near you. be sure the device supports Band 7 (2600MHz).
I HAVE A 4G DEVICE AND USIM BUT I STILL CAN’T CONNECT.
- First, check that your 4G device supports Band 7 (2600MHz). You can check the device specification on the internet before purchasing it.
- Next, ensure you have turned on 4G under the phone network settings.
- If you still can’t connect, visit an MTN store for support or check out the 4G videos on the MTN website.
HOW WILL I KNOW THAT I AM CONNECTED TO 4G NETWORK ON MY MOBILE?
The 4G signal will be reflected on your 4G smartphone signal bar.
DO I NEED SPECIAL DATA PLANS FOR 4G?
No, you don’t need any special data plan for 4G. All 2G and 3G voice and Data plans will work on 4G. To subscribe, dial *131# on your MTN phone and follow the prompt
How to Purchase A Globacom 4G LTE Sim
3. What is the difference between 3G and LTE?
GLO LTE is multiple times faster than the 3G network. LTE is the fastest wireless data technology available today in the World.
4. How do I get to use Glo LTE service?
–You can become a Glo LTE subscribers with the following three simple steps:
—- Get an LTE SIM from a Gloworld or swap your existing SIM.
—- Get an LTE enabled Smartphone
—- Dial *777# & buy a plan of your choice.
Enjoy this world-class experience, once in LTE coverage area.
5. Where is LTE coverage available?
Service live in Lagos: Lekki, Ikoyi, Victoria Isla, Ajah and Akoka, Abuja: Maitama, Wuse, Asokoro, Garki/Central Business District and Airport Road, Port Harcourt: Aba Road, Trans Amadi, Diobu, Old GRA and UNIPORT, Benin, Warri, Eket, Jos, Zaria: ABU, Yola: ABTI. Other major cities coming soon nationwide.
6. Where do I get the LTE SIM?
You can get LTE SIM from any Gloworld, Glozone or Glo dealer outlets closest to you.
7. How can I subscribe to an LTE data plan?
Just dial *777# and select your choice of 4G LTE plans
8. Are the LTE data plans on auto renewal?
Yes they are all on auto renewal
9. How do I check if my current phone is LTE supported?
To check your phone support LTE for Glo, text 4G to 400.
10. Which handsets/devices are supported by GLO LTE service?
| iPhone 7 | BlackBerry DTEK 50 | Samsung Galaxy S7 |
| iPhone 7s | BlackBerry Priv STV100-4 | Alcatel One Touch Pop 4S LTE |
| iPad Air 2 | HTC One M9 LTE-A | Alcatel One Touch Idol 4S LTE |
| iPad Mini 4 | HTC One M9+ | Alcatel One Touch Pop 4 Plus |
| iPhone 6 | Huawei P9 Plus VIE-L29 | Alcatel One Touch Pop 4 LTE |
| iPhone 6 Plus | Microsoft Lumia 950 | |
| iPhone 6s | Microsoft Lumia 950 TD-LTE | |
| iPhone 6s Plus | Microsoft Lumia 950 XL | |
| iPhone SE | Samsung Galaxy S7 Edge | |
| iPad Pro | Samsung Galaxy S7 Duos |
11. Do I need to configure LTE settings on my smartphone?
Existing settings on your phone/ device will support LTE service
12. How will I know where LTE coverage is?
We are constantly working to improve LTE availability and coverage. More cities will also be launched soon.
13. What free contents are available to LTE plan subscribers?
Glo Music, Video and Movie Portals are available FREE for LTE customers depending on the value of data plan. Visit http://www.gloworld.com/ng/personal/data/4g/ for more details
Please lemmy, have u tried the set 4922a software from crosat? Instead auto rolling it rather scrambled my afn that I used manual keys. Or must I used internet?. The software is 1.98
@Abdul Raxak: i don think you need Internet connection for this
MTN Data is very expensive compared to glo ?. I’m enjoying glo 4G LTE here in Abuja with spectranet mifi and it has been working excellently well
Lemmy It was rumoured that srt4922a auto roll software has been released…sure ?
@Edomwonyi Alex: yes released on crosat.us
Pls 1 need big dish at Kumasi or where I can construct
pls call 0230557420
Thanks for the info, Lemmy. One thing you forgot to mention is the fact that Glo LTE is only available to a limited number of devices due to the fact that it broadcasts on Band 28. Unfortunately, most phones don’t have that band and as such most people cannot enjoy the Glo LTE services. It’s either a foolish business move from Glo or they deliberately did that in order to limit the number of people on their LTE network, to avoid overcrowding. Either way, it’s sad and unfortunate for the end users. I only hope they reconsider that move by either adding another band or replacing the existing one. Their move…
@gomnati: thanks for your contribution which is definitely invaluable. I always knew glo rush to some packages while mtn consciously roll out theirs
@Gomnati: Yes, it you are right that Glo LTE is only available to a limited number of devices due to the fact that it broadcasts on Band 28. Some existing devices(phone and mifi) support it, e.g iphone 6, 6S etc. If you have an old spectranet 4G mifi or some 3G mifi, when unlocked, it works fine with GLO’s LTE. Again, it is true that MTN has more frequency bands and more existing devices that support their bands but I see GLO flooding the market with LTE devices soon.
It is a good time to be a data user in Nigeria, let the data war continues.
Tank u very much Mr Lemmy for the update, for us to make our choices. God bless u real good. U too much.
Lemmy nice write up keep the good work going. I noticed that wen I upgraded to 4g Lte on my iPhone 6 I lost the share internet option on my network menu. MTN says it’s a phone issue but I don’t think so any suggestions
@dw: you can’t be too sure. Please revert to 3g, and see if it’s back. You may also need to upgrade to latest software version