After carefully comparing all of MTN’s prepaid data plans, the cheapest options are undoubtedly the lower-tier plans aimed at light or moderate internet users rather than heavy data consumers.

Evaluating MTN’s Data Plan Pricing

When evaluating the affordability of data plans, it’s important to consider three factors:

• Data allowance (the amount of megabytes or gigabytes you can browse)
• Validity period (how long before your data expires)
• Price per gigabyte (the average cost per GB based on data size and price)

Bulk data packs typically offer more megabytes for less on a per-gigabyte basis. However, light users may end up wasting data that expires before they can use it all. So striking the right balance is key.

I compared MTN’s prepaid plans ranging from daily to monthly packages offered to both new and existing subscribers. I specifically analyzed the price per GB for plans under 5GB to find the cheapest option.

Cheapest Small Data Plans

For light or moderate data needs, the most affordable MTN data plans are:

1. Daily Data Plan

• N25 for 20MB valid for 1 day
• Effective price per GB: N12,500

This basic plan is extremely affordable for quick, limited daily internet access. Downloading emails, using social media, or browsing a few web pages could feasibly fit 20MB per day.

However, the high per-GB pricing makes heavier use expensive. It’s the top pick for light daily data without unused wastage.

2. Weekly Data Plan

• N100 for 200MB valid for 7 days
• Effective price per GB: N5,000

For consistent light data across a full week, the weekly plan offers a middle-ground affordability. With 200MB, users can browse sites, apps, emails etc. without worrying about fast depletion.

The price per GB is significantly lower than the daily plan. So streaming some music or videos is also possible without high costs. It’s great for regular low data usage.

Other Notable Options

• N25 for 10MB valid for 1 day
• N50 for 100MB valid for 1 day
• N200 for 750MB valid for 7 days

The 10MB and 100MB plans allow smaller data allotments over 1 day. While the 750MB weekly plan offers excellent value with ample data for browsing, emails, messaging, light media and more.

These provide some flexibility for customizing data needs in between the top contenders.

Factors Impacting Affordability

There are a few key considerations when choosing an MTN data plan:

Data Usage Level – Light, moderate or heavy usage patterns impact suitable data plans. Light users can manage smallest/cheapest plans while heavy user need larger plans with big data allotments.

Validity Period – Longer validity of monthly plans offer value but can encourage data wastage for users who won’t finish data reserves. Short validity plans have less waste.

Rollover Data – Some plans allow unused data to roll over to the next period. This prevents wastage for subscribers who don’t always fully use data.

Time-Based Plans – Night and weekend plans have discounted rates during off-peak periods. Ideal for users active during cheaper times only.

Promotions – Special deals like bonus data, discounted rates, or extra validity provide periodic savings to enhance any data plan value.

Recommendation for Affordable MTN Data

To summarize, the cheapest MTN data plans that offer maximum value at affordable rates for light users are:

• Daily Plan – N25 for 20MB
• Weekly Plan – N100 for 200MB

These provide the right balance of reasonable browsing limits and very low per-GB pricing. Heavier data needs may require an upward adjustment in plan data quantities.

Applying promos, rollover data, and ideal validity suited to usage patterns amplifies the affordability of low-tier plans for frugal data subscribers. With the above insights, choosing the cheapest monthly data plan that aligns with individual browsing requirements is now straightforward.

Frequently Asked Questions on Cheapest MTN Data

Which data plan gives the lowest rates per GB?

MTN’s bulk data plans offer largest data allotments with lowest per-GB pricing. However, light users waste much data leading to unnecessary costs. Tiny daily/weekly plans of 10-200MB have highest affordability for modest use.

Why are bigger data plans not always the best value?

While big data plans like 1.5GB+ have very low per-GB rates, light users won’t finish the full data before it expires. Paying for unused data is wasted spending. Right-sized data plans prevent excess costs.

How can I get even cheaper data rates?

Using promotions and discounts like bonus data, doubled allotments, or free browsing can further lower effective data rates. Also activating plans during happy hour times with slashed rates increases affordability.

Which data plans offer the best rollover data?

mostly give users the ability to roll over unused data to extend value. This prevents data and money wastage by letting subscribers accumulate and use data over long periods as needed.

Why is shorter validity better for some data plans?

Long-validity plans encourage overspending if users don’t use full data before it expires. Short validity puts pressure to use data fully within fewer days preventing waste. Light users that only need small data briefly do better with daily or weekly plans.