Airtel Nigeria has launched a new broadband device, the SmartConnect 5G Outdoor Unit (ODU) Router, as part of efforts to improve internet access in households and businesses nationwide.
The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) estimates broadband penetration at about 43 per cent, with fixed-line access still unavailable in many parts of the country. Airtel said the SmartConnect device is intended to close this gap while supporting the federal government’s broadband and digital economy plans.
Mounted outdoors, the router is designed to capture stronger and more stable signals, providing continuous connectivity in dense urban and peri-urban areas. The device works on Airtel’s 5G network, where available and automatically falls back to 4G LTE in other areas. It also supports up to 64 simultaneous device connections and has a built-in power backup that lasts five to six hours during electricity outages. Additional features include parental and usage controls.
According to Airtel, the router is being introduced at an entry price of ₦25,000, inclusive of a SIM card, free installation, and a complimentary 30-day unlimited data package with speeds up to 50 Mbps. Subscription options include ₦25,000 monthly for unlimited 50 Mbps and ₦45,000 monthly for unlimited 100 Mbps.
The device is available at Airtel showrooms nationwide, on the company’s online store, through Home Broadband Sales Executives, or via Direct Sales Executives. Renewals and plan management can be carried out on the Airtel Africa App, the broadband portal, USSD *312#, or QR code.
Airtel Nigeria Chief Executive Officer, Dinesh Balsingh, said the launch was aimed at lowering entry barriers. “With SmartConnect, we are removing the barriers of cost and complexity. Every household and every small business deserves to be connected without compromise,” he said.
Marketing Director Ismail Adeshina added that the product was built for local realities. “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,” he said.
