MTN turbonet vs fibre broadband: 1 clear winner

Key takeaways

• MTN Turbonet and Fibre Broadband support up to 32 simultaneous device connections.
• MTN Turbonet uses 4G wireless technology through a plug-and-play router whereas MTN Fibre Broadband delivers internet via fibre optic cables.
• Turbonet is portable and movable, while the Fibre Broadband is not portable and remains fixed once installed.

MTN Ghana offers two major broadband options: Turbonet and Fibre. While both provide internet access for households and businesses, they do so through different technologies.

Turbonet is a plug-and-play 4G or 5G router, whereas fibre broadband uses fiber optic cables to deliver internet directly to your home or office. Which of the two is faster and more suited to your needs?

In this article, we will compare both side-by-side, analysing factors such as speed, reliability, ease of use, and cost to help you decide.

MTN turbonet vs. fibre broadband: Overview

Below is a quick overview of the major differences between MTN turbonet and fibre broadband options:

MTN turbonet vs. fibre broadband: Full review

Choosing between MTN Turbonet and Fibre Broadband largely depends on your needs, such as speed, reliability, mobility, and cost. Here’s an in-depth review and comparison of the two.

Usability

MTN’s turbonet and fibre broadband can connect up to 32 devices simultaneously, making them ideal for small businesses and households. However, the setup and build differ.

Turbonet is a plug-and-play 4G/5G router—you do not need additional tools or external help to install it. Conversely, setting up the Fibre Broadband requires you to be within a fibre coverage area and involves cable installation by MTN’s fibre professionals. The initial setup of a fibre connection involves more than the Turbonet.

On key specifications, both devices include a landline or telephone port (one on the turbonet and two on the fibre router), a WLAN port (one on the turbonet and four on the fibre router), and a USB port to accommodate printers and external storage drives. Turbonet also has connectors for two antennas.

Speed and reliability

Speed is critical when deciding between the two internet devices. Here’s a table comparing our test results for MTN turbonet and fibre broadband:

For Turbonet, your internet speeds depend on your proximity to MTN’s 4G or 5G coverage areas. However, it can achieve download speeds up to about 150Mbps and upload speeds up to 50Mbps, faster than traditional SIMs or MiFis.

In our tests, we averaged a download speed of 29.73 Mbps and an upload speed of 43.89 Mbps, accounting for significant speed fluctuations. These speeds are good for normal browsing, streaming, and some online gaming.

However, the higher ping and jitter (112 ms and 187 ms) can cause delays or make the connection unstable, especially for activities that need quick responses, like video calls or online gaming.

On the other hand, MTN fibre broadband offers speed up to 60 Mbps. While this is lower than turbonet’s speed on paper, its fibre optic technology makes the connection more stable.

Our tests showed a download speed of 63.21 Mbps and an upload speed of 61.33 Mbps, along with a very low ping of 6 ms and minimal jitter of 6 ms. This makes fibre broadband far superior for heavy internet usage, including HD streaming, large file uploads/downloads, and activities requiring low latency.

Data packages

Both turbonet and fibre broadband provide standard and flexi data packages. However, fibre broadband offers better value for money compared to turbonet. The table below highlights the difference in data allocation:

Note: You can only purchase data ranging from GHS 25 to GHS 5000 at a time for both turbonet and fibre broadband routers.

Besides the standard and flexi offers, MTN fibre broadband offers unlimited data options that expire within 30 days of purchase. The data plan offers speeds from 10 Mbps to 60 Mbps, depending on your package of choice.

Battery life

MTN turbonet and fibre broadband rely on an AC power supply to function. However, the former comes with a dedicated power bank as an external backup battery. So, during power outages, you can still access an internet connection. Turbonet’s power bank has a battery life of 10 to 12 hours.

Portability

A key feature of MTN’s turbonet is its portability. Although it’s designed to be a stationary device in your home or office, you can carry it around as long as you’re within an MTN coverage area.

On the contrary, the fibre broadband router is not portable. Once installed, it remains fixed, even within the household or office.

Between the two, turbonet is a high-speed portable internet router, whereas fibre broadband is a permanent solution for internet access at homes, schools, or offices.

Price

MTN’s turbonet costs between GH₵1,500 and GH₵2,500, depending on the type you prefer, while the MTN fibre broadband only requires an installation fee of GH₵150.

Turbonet costs more for its portability and potential for higher speeds.

Note: There are different types of turbonet routers, all of which need a turbonet or MTN data SIM to access data packages. However, keep in mind that not every router works with MTN’s data SIM.

Which should you choose?

The decision between MTN turbonet and MTN fibre broadband comes down to your needs.

MTN’s fibre broadband is the clear winner if you want a stable and permanent internet solution with a lower initial cost and good data packages. On the other hand, if you need a portable internet device, prefer potentially higher speeds, and don’t mind a higher upfront investment, MTN turbonet is the way to go.

If you choose fibre broadband, it has to choose you back. The service is only available to those who live or work within MTN’s fibre coverage areas. You can check your eligibility on MTN’s website or mobile app.

FAQs

How do you buy data on your MTN turbonet or fibre broadband?

You can buy data for your MTN turbonet or fibre broadband router by dialling *5057# shortcode, using the MyMTN app, or via MTN mobile money.

Conclusion

It’s evident that MTN turbonet and fibre broadband serve similar purposes but have different pros and cons. We hope our internet speed, portability, and coverage comparison help you make an informed decision. Share your thoughts, questions, and experiences in the comments below.