Getting Internet Access

As we said yesterday, there is a plethora of companies offering to give us Internet access in Nigeria. For now on this blog we are concerned about the offerings available to the home user or at most the small business owner and so the question is which one of them is really ideal for you. We would be analyzing them one by one but firstly we would look at them based on the three main categories they would fall into. GSM carriers, CDMA carriers and the core Internet Service Providers.

One major difference I have seen in the three categories is the fair usage policy i.e data limit being used by the GSM and some of the Core ISPs. All CDMA companies only have no. of hours used and subscription period as limits on their Data Plans.

We start today with the devices available for accessing the Internet. Internet Access in Nigeria can be done using a GPRS/EDGE/3G enabled phone or by using the GPRS/EDGE/3G Modem or Data Card. For the Modem, you could either buy the operator branded modem which comes with the SIM in it or buy just any modem and buy a SIM of the operator you would actually like to use. For the phone, you could either browse on it directly or use it as a modem to allow your browse on your computer. This works for the GSM companies.

For the CDMA companies, most of them have the option of either using a phone, a modem or a Data card. The Modem in this category though does not carry a SIM card and therefore it is not possible to buy a generic modem and use with any if the operators in this category. Most CDMA companies give two Internet access technologies; CDMA 1X or the EVDO connection. The CDMA1X is available via phones and Data cards whilst the EVDO is available via Data Cards and USB Modems.

For the core Internet service providers, they use proprietary devices. Just like the CDMA operators this would make it inevitable that switching providers would mean buying new devices.

So at least by today's analysis, the GSM service providers seem to have an edge over the other providers but only just yet as we go on, we might just uncover more that would send them down on our ratings.

I would not only be comparing the several plans on offer but also the different access devices available and letting you know which ones might be compatible with your system. Presently in Nigeria there are over 10 Internet Service Providers with a focus on the individual consumer market. From the GSM companies i.e MTN, Glo, Etisalat e.t.c , to CDMA companies i.e Starcomms, Visafone e.t.c, all the way to core internet service providers i.e IPNX, Cobranet, e.t.c. with everyone claiming to be your best option.

We would be looking at them under several variables from initial cost of acquisition to subscription rates, ease of acquisition and payment for subscription. Also the speeds available and their different data plans. Also freebies that might be available from the different providers.

You are welcome aboard.