If you are looking for an alternative to traditional fiber internet for your home or office, Airtel’s 5G Smart Connect is one of the options to look at.
The service is available on Airtel’s 5G network through the Smart Connect router. Airtel offers speeds of up to 30Mbps and the available plans start at KSh 1,999.
There are a few things you need to know before you sign up for this service. These include the Fair Usage Policy, connection fee, validity periods and what happens when you exhaust your data allowance.
What plans does Airtel offer?
Airtel’s 5G Smart Connect currently has two speed options: 15Mbps and 30Mbps.
The plans are available for 30, 90 and 180 days.
| Speed | 30 Days | 90 Days | 180 Days |
| 15Mbps | KSh 1,999 | KSh 5,399 | KSh 9,999 |
| 30Mbps | KSh 2,999 | KSh 8,099 | KSh 14,999 |
The longer-duration plans effectively bring down the monthly cost. For example, the 180-day 15Mbps plan works out to about KSh 1,667 per month, while the 30Mbps option works out to about KSh 2,500 per month.
Is the data really unlimited?
This is probably the most important thing to understand.
While Airtel markets the plans as unlimited data, they are subject to a 1,000GB Fair Usage Policy (FUP).
When you exhaust the 1TB FUP, you can continue using the connection at reduced speeds of 2Mbps until you renew your plan or purchase a booster.
What happens when you reach 1TB?
You have two options.
You can continue browsing at the reduced 2Mbps speed, or purchase a booster to continue accessing the internet at higher speeds.
Airtel’s current online information lists a booster option that gives you 300GB and costs Ksh 1,000
Is there a connection fee?
Yes, but only for the 30-day plans.
Airtel charges a KSh 1,000 connection fee on the 30-day packages. The 90-day and 180-day plans do not have a connection fee, according to the flyer.
Can I renew before my plan expires?
Yes.
Airtel allows customers to purchase their next unlimited plan before the current one expires. The new plan only becomes active after the existing one expires.
This means you don’t lose the remaining validity of your current package by renewing early.
Can I upgrade or downgrade?
Yes. Airtel says customers can upgrade or downgrade their Smart Connect unlimited plan during the validity period.
Again, the new plan only becomes active after the existing one expires.
What if I’m outside 5G coverage?
Smart Connect router is compatible with Airtel 4G and 5G network.
Can I use the plan on my phone?
No.
These aren’t mobile data bundles that you can put on your smartphone.
The Smart Connect unlimited plans are specifically tied to Airtel’s 5G Smart Connect router.