In today's world, network providers play a crucial role in connecting people together beyond their geographical zones. They help facilitate communication and access to digital services. With the help of network providers, it has provided networking solutions, giving people options for mobile voice and data plans, which helps make life easier by reaching out to others in the comfort of their homes. Network providers through different technologies are the backbone of modern communications.
In Nigeria, we have different network providers, leaving individuals to choose their preferred ones. We have MTN, Glo, Airtel, and 9mobile. These network providers vary with locations; there are times when one preferred network provider won't work in another location, especially when one travels and it's always frustrating. As the demand for digital communication and Internet access increases, these mentioned network providers have become an important part of the country's social and economic development.
MTN seems to have the largest customer base as it has been used all over the country. People chose this network provider has their favorite because of their fast Internet service and the development in their infrastructure leading to the use of 4G and 5G. Likewise, it has been in existence for a very long time. Thanks to technology, quite a good percentage of people now use smartphones, which means there will be more demand for mobile data for several purposes, such as educational, entertainment, business, and social interactions. Many people do inquire about the network working well in a location before residing there. I have a friend who lives in an area where MTN does not function well except Globacom, and this is in a city, not even a rural area. Sometimes, these network providers, too, have limitations, and trust me, it can be so frustrating at times.
Despite their advancements, network coverage in some rural areas is still weak or unavailable. Likewise, service interruption, slow Internet speed, and, most painfully, the high data cost have been the major source of heartbreak to many users since this year began. Before, a gigabyte was as low as #350, which is quite affordable for everyone. Suddenly, it skyrocketed to #1000 or more, leaving many users wondering what went wrong. To make it worse, the data is being swept uncontrollably; a GB can no longer go a day. Due to the high cost, many can't make judicious use of the Internet because they can't afford to buy mobile data. If I'm to subscribe, I do think patiently, swiping from one plan to another to see the ones that are less costly and would serve me for the purpose I needed it for but despite that, I will still end up not getting the value of what I paid so much for.
Since I began using a smartphone, MTN has been my preferred network provider, and their services were good. In fact, it was the best until Airtel came with a much cheaper tariff and pocket-friendly data plan. Thankfully, my smartphone has two ports for different network providers, which made me get an Airtel sim, too. I do make use of both MTN and Airtel, but recently, both network providers seem not to be what they used to be anymore. They charge quite a high amount of money for data plans, and the Internet speed is not as good as before. Likewise, there is a high tariff on calls and sms.
To buy mobile data these days, I check the two network providers to see which one is less, unlike before when I subscribed to both. Their network strength has drastically reduced and this is causing me more harm as a user than good. I spend roughly 24 hours online every day due to the nature of my job, and due to how drastically mobile data is being consumed; I have to be wise about my usage. These days, I spend almost three times the amount that I spent on both before on one now and yet getting less quality of what I paid exorbitantly for.
Due to the fluctuation in these two network providers' services, it cost me an international interview, which would have been a great opportunity for me. Last week, an international call was scheduled for Wednesday which I had prepared so well for. When it was time, I had been praying for a stable network at least for the 15 minutes of the call, but I guess it was impossible that day. I couldn't join the call on time because my network was so bad. I was switching from MTN to Airtel just to access a good and stable network for that period of 15 minutes, but I couldn't. As much as I tried, I couldn't have a good network to join, I was being logged out continuously until the time was up. I was so pained and annoyed, wishing I could just get another network provider, which is more good, but where I live, these two are the best here. All I was left with was a wish that I would get such an opportunity again soon. There is a need for them to do better, reducing the high cost of mobile data and increasing access speed. Making users enjoy what they pay for.
Thanks for your time and your comments will be appreciated.