Etisalat 4G LTE service is now live in Nigeria. The company joins the likes of nTel, MTN and Glo who are all jostling for the attention of the subscriber with their various LTE offerings. The official announcement made on the company’s official social media accounts (facebook and twitter), pointed out the service is currently available only in Lagos (select locations).
Etisalat 4G LTE network can be accessed automatically on any 4G enabled smartphone since the operator issue (sell) USIMs to subscribers. The Universal SIM (USIM) is superior to the simple SIM card used by the likes Glo and MTN, and also means no SIM swap needed to start enjoying the service. (Check the #Etisalat4GNeedsNoSIMSwap trend on Twitter).
According to anonymous reports, the NCC has to restructure the 1800MHz spectrum owned by MTN (as a result of the acquisition of Visafone) to allow other mobile operators launch 4G LTE service without owning one.
The Etisalat 4G LTE service is on Band 3, Glo on Band 28 while MTN is Band 7 and 20. Glo currently has the widest coverage and their data plans are cheaper compared to competitors. While Airtel is yet to make any statement, it is expected that the company will step up sooner rather than later.
In other news, Etisalat has upped the prices of their data plans. The previous N1,000 plan for 1.5GB, now gives 1GB while that of the N1200 now gives 1.5GB. To subscribe, check full data prices and details – Dial *200# and follow the prompt.
