Smile Communications – Nigeria, West Africa’s first 4G LTE Mobile broadband Internet service provider is gradually establishing a strong presence in Nigeria with advertising campaigns, sales promotions and more network coverage areas.
In my curiosity to test how it feels to browse the web and download huge files on 4G LTE network, i bought the Smile SMiFi Hotspot modem R702 with 1 Month Unlimited internet for 24,800 at Smile Port Harcourt Office.
After a week of being impressed by the service quality in terms of speed and cheapest price I’ve seen for an Unlimited plan in Nigeria, i recommended it to you all by publishing this review you can read:
About Smile NG Unlimited 4G LTE Broadband internet and Prices.
Smile 4G LTE Unlimited Plan is Subject to a Secret “FAIR USAGE” policy.
I think there was a meeting at Smile Communications HQ where it was agreed that they will offer customers Unlimited Internet plan for 19,800 Naira but it would actually be 80GB for that price.
That’s the fair usage policy Smile NG did not tell me about at point of purchase. If they did, i wouldn’t have subscribed to 4 days of Unlimited internet because that’s how fast i exceeded 80GB. I guess ignorance of the law is no excuse.
Once you exceed that set Maximum, your Smile NG 4G LTE upload / download speeds would drop from the promised 21Mbps to 30Kbps – which is as good as Dial up internet. There’s no greater punishment than slow internet.
You can still access Google, Facebook, check your email but just forget about downloads or watching of videos when FUP is applied. Who that one Epp?
According to the Smile Knowledge base:
Yes, FUP applies to all Smile unlimited data access plans.
Managing Director Smile Nigeria – Mr Michiel Buitelaar was also quoted saying:
any unlimited offering is subject to a fair usage policy (FUP).
Quote
Smile’s FUP is very generous when compared with other local offers and ensures that connectivity is maintained throughout the 30-day period.
Connectivity that can’t stream any YouTube Video in peace without Buffering 1000000 times.
Smile NG has successfully wiped the Smile from my face with their Fair Usage Policy, Just when i thought we’ve been sent a messiah.
I guess there’s no need to Upload the Smile SMiFi Modem Unboxing Video and setup i made for Ngbuzz YouTube Channel.
ALTERNATIVE UNLIMITED PLAN
Airtel UNLIMITED 12AM to 6AM browsing for 1000 Naira ONLY
It’s 3 Hours Unlimited for 1000 Naira and actually UNLIMITED – not subject to any Fair usage policy.
