Airtel Nigeria has introduced the SmartConnect 5G Outdoor Unit (ODU) Router, a home and business broadband solution built to offer fast, dependable, and cost-effective internet access nationwide.
At an entry price of ₦25,000, SmartConnect ships with a SIM card, free professional installation, and a complimentary 30-day unlimited data plan delivering speeds of up to 50 Mbps. After the first month, customers can choose between two unlimited options: ₦25,000 per month for 50 Mbps or ₦45,000 per month for 100 Mbps.
Because it’s an outdoor unit, the router is mounted externally to capture stronger, cleaner signals. This design helps maintain stable connectivity even in dense city neighborhoods and peri-urban areas where indoor reception can be challenging.
SmartConnect is usable nationwide, tapping into Airtel’s 5G network where available and smoothly falling back to 4G LTE when needed. The device supports up to 64 connected devices at once, includes a built-in power backup that keeps it running for roughly five to six hours during outages, and offers parental and usage controls so households and small offices can manage access with ease.
According to Airtel Nigeria’s Chief Executive Officer, Dinesh Balsingh, the objective is to make technology access more inclusive by lowering both cost and complexity, ensuring homes and small businesses can get reliable connectivity without compromise. Marketing Director Ismail Adeshina added that the product was engineered for Nigerian realities—providing the confidence that users will stay online through power interruptions or network fluctuations.
Customers can buy the SmartConnect router at Airtel showrooms across the country, via the company’s e-shop (eshop.airtel.com.ng), through Home Broadband Sales Executives, or from Direct Sales Executives. Plan subscriptions and renewals are manageable through the Airtel Africa App, the broadband portal (airtel.com.ng/hbb), the USSD code *312#, or by scanning a QR code.
With national broadband penetration around 43% (NCC, 2025) and limited fixed-line infrastructure in many regions, Airtel’s SmartConnect 5G ODU offers a scalable, affordable way to close the access gap—supporting Nigeria’s broader broadband and digital economy ambitions.