To access internet with mobile phones you need to activate it by loading the mobile network’s GPRS or 3G internet settings to your mobile phone. 3G or GPRS settings can be obtained in two ways, the automatic and manual methods. The automatic method of obtaining your 3G or GPRS settings involve sending an SMS command to the mobile network. On reception of your SMS, the network will send you your 3G or GPRS settings. You will then have to save the GPRSinternet settings to your mobile phone. Some mobile phones (usually newly launched mobile phones) may not accept automatic internet settings, in such a situation you will have to load your GPRS internet settings manually.
In Nigeria, you do not worry about activating your mobile phone for internet access if you are using CDMA. This is because CDMA networks usually carry exclusive mobile phones, which are often preloaded with internet settings. When buying a mobile phone from network exclusive outlets, ask whether the mobile phone has been activated with the required internet settings and if not request for internet configuration on the spot.
Most often, you worry about internet configuration and settings if you are using GSM or WCDMA/HSDPA. Here are internet, 3G or GPRS settings of MTN, Glo mobile, Etisalat, and Zain:
Activating MTN mobile internet
To get your 3G/3.5G/GPRS internet settings, text SETTINGS to 3888 on an MTN Nigeria mobile phone. Save the internet settings when received.
You can also use manual internet or GPRS settings. Use manual GPRS settings only if automatic GPRS settings request fails.
MTN manual 3G/3.5G/GPRS settings for WAP mobile internet
Account name: MTN GPRS
IP Address: 10.199.212.2
Port: 9201
Username: web
Password: web
Access point name (APN): web.gprs.mtnnigeria.net
MTN manual 3G/3.5G/GPRS settings for full internet
Account name: MTN GPRS
IP Address: 10.199.212.2
Port: 8080
Username: web
Password: web
Access point name (APN): web.gprs.mtnnigeria.net
Activating Glo mobile internet
To get your Glo 3G or GPRS internet settings SMS activate to 444 using a mobile phone. Save the 3G or GPRS settings in your mobile phone when received. To get Glo WAP settings, SMS your phone name and model to 927. For example, to activate Nokia 5130, SMS Nokia 5130 to 927. Save the 3G internet settings in your mobile phone.
If automatic 3G settings request fails, use manual 3G settings
Glo manual 3.5G/3G GPRS internet settings
Access point name (APN): gloflat
Service name: Glo 3G
Username: flat
Password: flat
Glo manual 3.5G/3G GPRS settings for WAP
Access point name (APN): glogwap
Service name: Glo WAP
Username: wap
Password: wap
Port Number: 3130
IP/Proxy server address: 10.100.98.22
Activating Zain mobile internet
To get your Zain GPRS settings SMS Internet [space] [phone make] [space] [model number] to 232. For example, to activate Nokia 5130, SMS Internet Nokia 5130 to 232. Save the GPRS settings on your mobile phone when received.
If automatic GPRS settings request fails, use manual GPRS settings
Zain manual GPRS settings for WAP
Port: 8080
Username:
Password:
Access point name (APN): internet.ng.zain.com
Authentication: Normal
Home page: http://wap.ng.zain.com
Activating Etisalat mobile internet
Etisalat manual 3G, EDGE, GPRS settings
Access point name (APN): etisalat
Account name: Etisalat Internet
Username:
Password:
Home page: http://mobile.etisalat.com.ng
Etisalat manual GPRS settings for WAP
Access point name (APN): etisalat
Account name: Etisalat WAP
IP Address: 10.71.170.5
Port: 8080
Username:
Password:
Home page: http://mobile.etisalat.com.ng
Activating CDMA mobile internet for Starcomms, Reltel, Multi-Links, Visafone
CDMA networks carry specific phones preloaded with network settings like internet settings. Hence, if you bought your CDMA phone with internet capability from an authorised outlet of CDMA networks like Starcomms, Visafone, Reltel, Zoom mobile, or Multi-Links it is likely to be preloaded with internet settings. However, inquire just to be sure.
