Chances are you’re reading this because you’re interested in obtaining a static IP address from a Nigerian based Internet Service Provider (ISP). Continue reading if you’re interested in the requirements as well as the uses and advantages.

I will be focusing on the current 4G LTE providers in Abuja (i.e. MTN LTE, Smile 4G and Spectranet).

What is an IP Address?

Wikipedia defines an Internet Protocol (IP) address as a “numerical label assigned to each device (e.g., computer, printer) participating in a computer network that uses the Internet Protocol for communication.” I realise these aren’t layman terms. For a better understanding, I recommend you read this document at gnome.org

Advantages of Securing a Static IP Address

Remote Access: With a static IP address you can access your PC regardless of your location in the world. Using programs such as OpenSSH and Remote Administrator, you enjoy the convenience of accessing your work or home PC wherever you are.

Server Administration: Cloud services providers such as Amazon Web Services and Google Cloud offer customers the ability to lock down certain services and ports to desired IP addresses to improve security. And you can also build a firewall locking down sensitive property to select IP addresses.

IP Cameras: You will need a static IP address to reach your cameras when you are away. Picture this, if you had to call someone but didn’t have their phone number or it had been changed with no forwarding number to call, how would you reach them? The static IP gives you that same number all time. That said there are other ways to connect from the outside by using a DDNS system.

There are several other benefits to retaining a public IP address such as being able to host services from your home / work computer and so on. A google search will reveal more.

I took some time to contact the local ISPs for the requirements and these were my findings:

MTN HYNET / LTE

Provide the following information on your company’s letter headed paper, addressing it to

The Manager SME
Enterprise Solutions
Golden Plaza,
Ikoyi,
Lagos, Nigeria.

Required Information:

• Full Name of User:
• Contact Name:
• Contact Phone Number:
• Contact Address:
• Region:
• Username:
• MAC Address:
• Upstream (Bandwidth)
• Downstream (Bandwidth)
• Service Address:
• Password:
• Serial Number

You must state your reasons for requesting the static IP address in your letter. After filing, you will be contacted by MTN as regards fulfilling your request, free of cost.

Spectranet

The requirements are a little different here. In addition to stating your reasons for the static IP address, you are required to provide a brief description of your company as well as its organisation structure explaining where the requested address will be used within that structure. You will also need to provide administrative & technical contact. All that information goes into a form which you can download here.

Note: It is possible to obtain a static IP address on Spectranet’s router and the portable Mi-Fi device.

Smile Communications

I should start this by saying the requirements here will cost you north of ₦100,000 (Over $500 USD).
If you’re still interested, continue reading.

To obtain a static IP address from Smile Communications, you need to have purchased the router which costs ₦23,000 as Smile will not assign static IP addresses to the portable Mi-Fi. There is a ₦6,500 charge for issuing the IP address. You also have to stack up six 20GB bundles which cost ₦17,000 each (₦17,000 x 6 = ₦102,000). This must be paid for in advance. Lest I forget, the cost of the IP address (₦6,500) is renewable every 6 months. Please note that there is no documentation to be filed.

So there you have it. It seems Smile Communications is only interested in our money and doesn’t care about where you use the allocated IP address or what you need it for.

Swift Networks

For Lagos / Ibadan customers, I have reached out to Swift and will update this space accordingly.