Adoption of MTN FibreX, formerly MTN Fibre Broadband, is facing a major challenge as users complain that unsteady power supply makes the service hard to use.
The service has expanded into many cities, but lack of stable electricity in several areas is slowing growth.
A source close to MTN Nigeria told Daily Independent that the company plans to add alternative power support for the broadband devices.
Why Power Supply Affects FibreX Routers
The MTN FibreX router does not have a built-in battery. It needs direct 12V power supply to stay on. During blackouts, it goes off unless connected to external backup.
“Most of our customers have been reluctant to renew for the service. From our findings, their reason is basically because of lack of steady electricity. The cost of petrol and diesel is on the high side, with many Nigerians focusing more on more essential needs like food, transportation and accommodation,” the source said.
He added that MTN plans to give subscribers standard mobile power banks that can power the router for up to 16 hours.
“Because of these reasons, the service provider has decided to introduce a power back-up system to power their routers whenever there is a public power outage. The standard mobile power bank is strong enough for the router to retain power for up to 16 hours,” the source explained.
Some users have already paused renewal until power improves.
Adewale Badejo, resident of Obawole in Lagos State, said, “I have subscribed to the new MTN service. My challenge in the last two months has not been easy, especially in this harsh economic period. I am currently suspending the renewal of the service because I can’t just be paying for what I am not using optimally.”
Another user, Kennedy Uzoh in Ibafo, Ogun State, said, “As good as this MTN broadband service is, the major limitation it has is lack of power backup for their routers. If they can integrate the inbuilt battery into the routers, more Nigerians from different backgrounds and status would be attracted to it.”
Cost Of Plans And Spread To 15 States
MTN FibreX offers unlimited data with Fibre-to-the-Home and Fibre-to-the-Business technology. It was rebranded from MTN Fibre Broadband to make fast internet more accessible.
The plans are: Basic 50 Mbps for ₦30,000 per month for up to 10 devices; Standard 100 Mbps for ₦45,000 for up to 20 devices; Advanced 200 Mbps for ₦70,000 for up to 30 devices; Premium 300 Mbps for ₦100,000 for up to 40 devices; Prestige 1 Gbps for ₦200,000 for 50+ devices.
The high cost of fuel to run generators makes it harder for users to keep routers on. Many households prioritise food, transport and rent over internet backup.
MTN FibreX is now available in 15 states: Lagos, Ogun, Oyo, Kano, Kaduna, Kwara, Edo, Delta, Enugu, Anambra, Imo, Rivers, Akwa Ibom, Cross River and FCT, according to MTN Nigeria.
Industry watchers believe home internet demand will rise in next three to five years as data use grows. MTN recently posted strong data revenue.
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