By Abraham Oluwambe, Chief Executive Officer, LifiNet

In a digital age where the internet plays a pivotal role in our daily lives, selecting the right internet plan is not just a choice; it’s a necessity. Whether you’re a student, a home user, an office worker, or part of a corporate entity in Nigeria, making an informed decision about your internet subscription can save you money, boost your productivity, and enhance your online experience. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll walk you through the essential factors to consider when choosing the perfect internet plan for your needs.

A.      Understanding Your Internet Needs

Before diving into the world of internet plans, it’s crucial to assess your specific requirements. Each user category has its unique demands:

1. Students: Balancing Studies and Entertainment

As a student, you need reliable connectivity for online classes, research, and entertainment. Look for plans that offer high data allowances, unlimited night-time browsing, and access to educational resources.

2. Individual Home Users: Seamless Streaming and Browsing

For the family at home, prioritize plans that support multiple devices simultaneously, offer high-speed connections, and provide unlimited streaming for movies and gaming.

3. Office Users: Reliability and Efficiency

Office users require stable connections for video conferencing, file sharing, and remote work. Consider business-grade plans with strong customer support, Service Level Agreements (SLAs), and backup options.

4. Corporate Users: Scalability and Security

Corporations demand scalable solutions with dedicated bandwidth, advanced security features, and robust infrastructure. Assess options like dedicated leased lines or VPNs to meet your corporate needs.

B.      Factors to Consider When Choosing an Internet Plan

1. Internet Type: Understand the available internet technologies in Nigeria, including DSL, cable, fiber-optic, satellite, and 4G/5G. Different areas may have different options, so check what’s accessible in your location.

2. Speed: Your internet speed should match your usage patterns. Students and home users can opt for plans with moderate speeds, while office and corporate users may need faster connections.

3. Data Caps: Be aware of data limits and choose a plan with a data cap that suits your monthly usage. Unlimited plans are ideal for heavy users.

4. Reliability: Research the ISP’s reputation for reliability and uptime. Read reviews and ask for recommendations from friends or colleagues.

5. Customer Support: Consider the quality of customer support and technical assistance provided by the ISP. Quick and efficient support can save you from prolonged downtime.

6. Cost: Compare pricing across ISPs but keep in mind that the cheapest option may not always be the best. Consider the value you receive for your money.

7. Contract Terms: Understand the terms of the contract, including contract length, early termination fees, and any hidden charges.

8. Value-Added Services: Some ISPs offer additional services like free Wi-Fi router rental, antivirus software, or content streaming bundles. These can be beneficial extras.

C.      Making Your Decision

Once you’ve assessed your needs and considered these factors, it’s time to make an informed decision. Reach out to ISPs in your area, ask questions, and seek recommendations from others in your category. Remember, the right internet plan can transform your online experience, making it faster, more reliable, and tailored to your unique requirements.

In conclusion, choosing the right internet plan in Nigeria is a crucial decision that impacts your daily life, work, and entertainment. By understanding your needs and the factors that matter most to you, you can select a plan that not only suits your budget but also enhances your online experience, no matter if you’re a student, home user, office worker, or part of a corporate entity.

Professor Armstrong Idachaba, former director-general of the National Broadcasting Commission (NBC), has proposed regulatory measures to address cyberbullying, trolling, sexting and online pornography.

Professor Armstrong Idachaba, former DG, NBC

Adachaba, who is a Professor of Mass Communication at Veritas University, Abuja, stated this when he presented a paper on ‘Media Utilisation in the Era of Media Convergence – Fear and Opportunities,’ recently in Abuja, regretting that people use social media to foment trouble instead of advancing friendship and meaningful connection.

“The biggest threat of social media is in the area of the content it spurns out, the use of the social media seems to be a double-edged sword, bringing good and providing fears. Cyberbulling, trolling, sexting, internet addictions, cybercrime, online pornography, fake news, hate speech, rumour mongering, negative imitations and violence, etc.

“Before Facebook started enforcing its community rules on violence, many of us recount with trepidation the horrific violence that happened at New Zealand when a youth connected his camera to his facebook account and streamed live the rather animalistic killing of human beings at a mosque,” he said.

He, therefore, said regulatory agencies should look into “the following guidelines, towards the following – Protection of freedom of expression, Prohibition of outlawed practices and domestication of community guidelines to recognize specific outlawed practices, like indecent dressing.

“Hate speech and incitement to violence promote ethical use of social media, to check misinformation and disinformation need for fact checking, transparency and accountability, data privacy and security user verification and accountability, content moderation.

“Ensure fair and transparent algorithms promote on line safety for students and staff, collaboration with govt and civil society, support culture and local content.

“There should be digital literacy and education, emergency response protocols, collaboration with social media platforms, protection of vulnerable population, conventional processes and rules for adaptation have been jettisoned.

“Makers of mediated content, producers and makers of technology, mediated product consumers and indeed those who formulate media policies must seek continued adaptive means for the maximisation of converged media.”

According to him, “here at Veritas University, social media usage has been sometime very effective, socialising, informative, enlightening and educating. Unfortunately, it is also sometime very contentious and controversial.”

National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) has expressed has condemned the recent price increment by Multichoice Nigeria Limited, Pay-TV operator, across its DStv and GOtv packages.

The student body urged the Federal Government and the National Assembly to address the issue expeditiously, saying that it will stands firmly against the unjustifiable price hike, especially given the current economic challenges faced by Nigerians.

Comrade Gundu Mimidoo Joy, spokesperson, NAN in a press statement Thursday, said that it is deplorable to witness such a significant increase in subscription fees in a time when many are already struggling to make ends meet.

“The rationale provided by Multichoice Nigeria Limited attributing the price increases to a “rise in the cost of business operations” in Nigeria is not acceptable. The impact of this price hike will undoubtedly burden the citizens further, exacerbating the financial strain already being experienced.

“It is imperative that the Federal Government and the National Assembly intervene to regulate such exorbitant price increments. The interests and welfare of Nigerian citizens must be safeguarded, and the authorities must ensure that companies operate with fairness and consideration towards their consumers,” she said.

NANS also emphasised that the Federal Government and the National Assembly must raise their voices against this injustice and take necessary steps to address this situation promptly. An urgent dialogue must be initiated to protect the interests of the Nigerian populace and prevent further exploitation.

“We call upon all stakeholders to collaborate in finding a sustainable solution that benefits the consumers and ensures equitable access to essential services such as pay-TV. It is vital that regulations are put in place to prevent arbitrary price hikes that disproportionately affect the average Nigerian.

“This unwarranted increase in subscription fees by Multichoice is a matter of grave concern as the Nigerian masses are already over burdened with inflation, NANS urges all relevant authorities to address this issue with the seriousness it deserves.

“We wish to state that failure by DSTV to revert to Status quo with the next 7 working days shall be met with a mass action to the Multi choice Headquarters in Abuja and Lagos,” the statement added.