Internet provider Spectranet hikes data prices

Spectranet, one of Nigeria’s major internet providers, has implemented price hikes on its data plans, effective today.

The increase comes months after the Nigerian government authorized telecom operators to adjust prices by a maximum of 50% in response to rising inflation and operational costs.

On average, Spectranet’s data plans have gone up by 36%, adding to the financial strain on consumers.

With the new pricing structure, Spectranet made notable changes to its popular DoMore plan. The 20GB package, previously N4,000, now costs N6,000—a 50% increase—though free night browsing has doubled from 10GB to 20GB. The 100GB plan has risen from N14,200 to N20,000, a 41% jump, while the 150GB package has been discontinued and replaced with a 160GB plan for N25,000.

The provider’s Mini plan has also been affected. The N3,000 bundle, which used to offer 12GB, now provides only 9GB, marking a 25% reduction in data volume, though the 6GB plan at N1,500 remains unchanged.

For heavy data users, Spectranet’s Unlimited plans have seen the steepest hikes. The 200GB package, previously N22,000, has surged to N30,000—a 36% increase—while the 300GB plan is now 325GB, up from N26,000 to N35,000. The 550GB plan now costs N60,000.

One positive change accompanying the new rates is a boost in internet speed. Spectranet users, who previously had speeds as low as 512kbps or 6mbps, will now enjoy a minimum of 20mbps across all plans, although that remains to be seen in reality.

Despite the speed upgrade, the sharp price increases add to the financial burden on Nigerian consumers already grappling with an unprecedented cost of living crisis. With inflation driving up the prices of fuel, food, and essential services, higher data costs will further stretch household budgets and impact businesses, students, and remote workers.

Spectranet’s move follows similar hikes by other telecom operators such as MTN and Airtel in Nigeria years after their last increases.