By Achile Mohmoh
Airtel Nigeria has launched its SmartConnect 5G Outdoor Unit (ODU) Router, a new broadband solution designed to expand affordable and reliable internet access to households and businesses nationwide.
Priced at ₦25,000, the SmartConnect device comes bundled with a SIM card, free installation, and a 30-day unlimited data plan at speeds of up to 50 Mbps. After the introductory offer, customers can subscribe to flexible monthly plans: ₦25,000 for unlimited 50 Mbps or ₦45,000 for unlimited 100 Mbps.
Unlike traditional indoor routers, the ODU design is installed outdoors to capture stronger signals, ensuring stable connectivity even in densely populated urban and peri-urban areas. The device also offers key features including:
- Nationwide usability with Airtel’s 5G (where available) and automatic fallback to 4G LTE.
- Multi-user capability, supporting up to 64 simultaneous connections.
- Built-in power backup providing five to six hours of use during outages.
- Parental and usage controls for managing browsing access.
Speaking at the launch, Dinesh Balsingh, Chief Executive Officer of Airtel Nigeria, said the innovation aligns with the company’s vision of breaking down barriers to digital inclusion.
“Our mission has always been to democratise access to technology. With SmartConnect, we are removing the barriers of cost and complexity. Every household and every small business deserves to be connected without compromise.”
Ismail Adeshina, Marketing Director, Airtel Nigeria, highlighted that the product was tailored to meet Nigeria’s unique challenges.
“SmartConnect was designed with the Nigerian reality in mind. Families, entrepreneurs, and students need reliability and confidence that their router will keep them online even in the face of power cuts or network fluctuations. This product delivers exactly that.”
The router is available at Airtel showrooms nationwide, the company’s official e-shop (eshop.airtel.com.ng), through Home Broadband Sales Executives, and via Direct Sales Executives. Customers can manage subscriptions and bundle renewals via the Airtel Africa App, the broadband portal (airtel.com.ng/hbb), USSD code *312#, or QR code.
Nigeria’s broadband penetration currently stands at about 43% (NCC, 2025), with limited fixed-line infrastructure in several regions. Airtel says the SmartConnect 5G ODU Router will serve as a scalable and affordable bridge, aligning with the Federal Government’s national broadband and digital economy agenda.
