A half-year of abundant data—MTN’s 800GB 6-Month Plan offered just that. Now, the code *312*115# draws a blank. Learn what caused the removal, why no alternative exists at the moment, and how to piece together big data over six months.
The 800GB 6-Month Plan was among MTN’s extended packages, tailor-made for individuals or businesses wanting stable, long-duration coverage. By paying a lump sum, you could avoid frequent renewals and enjoy a large data allowance spread over half a year. This convenience ended abruptly after February 13, leaving heavy-data loyalists searching for a new strategy.
The Disappearance
- No Trace: Once the plan was pulled, it was also removed from the MyMTN NG App, official web pages, and USSD references.
- New Emphasis on Shorter Terms: With 6-month and 12-month plans now gone, MTN seems to be steering large-volume users to monthly or 2-month solutions.
- No Official Statement: Like other big plans, the retirement came quietly, with no direct explanation from MTN.
Purchase Methods Before February 13
- Direct USSD: Dialing *312*115# would prompt you to purchase 800GB for 6 months.
- Online or MyMTN NG App: If you had the money in your airtime, MoMo wallet, or via card, you could purchase through those channels as well.
- High Upfront Cost: The price often ranged from ₦150,000 to ₦180,000, giving a cost per MB of around ₦0.18–₦0.23.
Cost Per MB
If we assume a middle estimate of ₦160,000 for 800GB (819,200MB), that breaks down to roughly:
- ₦160,000 / 819,200MB = ~₦0.20 per MB
This rate matched or undercut many monthly or shorter-term data deals, making it attractive for those who didn’t mind the upfront expense.
Why It’s Gone
- Profitability & Strategy: Ultra-long subscriptions may not align with MTN’s push for more frequent renewals.
- Simplification: Maintaining numerous extended plans can make USSD menus bloated and confuse customers.
- Market Demand: Possibly a small user base overshadowed by monthly or 2-month plan adopters.
Why *312*115# Fails
- SKU Removal: The plan’s unique product ID was stripped from MTN’s database. Dialing the code now triggers an “invalid” message or no response.
- No Replacement: Unlike some daily or weekly plans that were replaced by near equivalents, there is no direct 6-month plan as of now.
Possible Alternatives for 6 Months
If you still crave a six-month coverage:
- Multiple 2-Month Plans
- For instance, you could buy 200GB (2-Month) thrice to span six months. That’s 600GB total at ~₦50,000 each purchase, totalling ₦150,000.
- The cost/MB is slightly higher than the old 800GB plan, and you get less overall data.
- Monthly Bulk Plans
- Repeatedly purchasing 250GB monthly at ₦55,000 can accumulate a large volume, though you’ll be paying more frequently.
- Enterprise Solutions
- SMEs or corporate clients might find specialized deals if they contact MTN business services, although these are typically customized and not the same as the old consumer plan.
User FAQs
- “Can I still buy 800GB for 6 months?”
- No. It’s discontinued; no official plan matches that volume or duration.
- “Why do old links show an error 404?”
- MTN removed or archived the relevant web pages. The plan no longer exists in official catalogs.
- “Is there a rumored 6-month plan replacement?”
- None is confirmed at the moment. Occasional rumors surface online, but results are mostly errors if you try to purchase.
- “What about bridging 6 months with smaller combos?”
- You’ll have to do multiple recharges—monthly or 2-month at a time. It’s less convenient but the only route now.
The Broader Context: Phasing Out of Extended Plans
- Yearly Plans Also Removed: 1TB, 2.5TB, and 4.5TB yearly bundles are gone. This indicates a comprehensive retreat from extremely long data packages.
- MTN’s Potential Rationale: Encouraging monthly or bimonthly top-ups means more consistent revenue flow and fewer discounted per-MB rates.
Reconstructing a 6-Month Solution
To approximate the old 800GB plan:
- 2-Month Plans
- Three consecutive 200GB (2-Month) plans yield 600GB total for 6 months, at ~₦150,000 total. That’s still less data than 800GB, and cost per MB is ~₦0.25.
- Alternatively, 150GB (2-Month) thrice is 450GB total at ~₦40,000 each cycle = ₦120,000. Even less data.
- Combining Monthly High Volume
- 250GB monthly at ₦55,000 repeated six times over half a year is 1,500GB for ₦330,000, which is huge volume but extremely expensive.
- You might do smaller monthly combos to approach 800GB.
In both cases, the cost typically exceeds what the old 800GB 6-month plan offered, and the usage is segmented into multiple subscriptions.
Cost-Per-MB Table
Below is a snapshot:
Plan |
Data |
Price |
Duration |
Cost/MB |
Old 800GB 6-Month (Discontinued) |
800GB |
~₦160k |
6 months |
~₦0.20 |
200GB (2-Month) x3 |
600GB total |
₦50k x3 = ₦150k |
6 months |
~₦0.25 |
150GB (2-Month) x3 |
450GB total |
₦40k x3 = ₦120k |
6 months |
~₦0.27 |
250GB Monthly x6 |
1,500GB total |
₦55k x6 = ₦330k |
6 months |
~₦0.22 |
As you can see, none of these precisely replicate the old cost or data volume, leaving previous 800GB users in a bind.
Conclusion
The removal of the 800GB 6-Month Plan underscores a larger pattern: MTN has moved away from offering massive data volumes for extended durations. This shift likely stems from a mix of profitability concerns, usage analytics, and strategic decisions to standardize around monthly or bimonthly billing cycles.
Key Takeaway: If you used 800GB in six months for business, streaming, or personal use, you’ll need to piece together your data from the new monthly or 2-month offerings. While that might be more expensive per MB, it’s currently your only official route. Keep an eye on potential promotions or enterprise deals if your usage justifies a specialized plan.