Need a 48-hour data fix? MTN’s 3.5GB 2-Day Plan was perfect for moderate use—until now. Learn why it’s been axed, why codes fail, and which short-term data bundles can fill the void for your streaming, work, or browsing needs.

Before February 13, MTN subscribers could enjoy a 3.5GB 2-Day data plan that worked seamlessly for those who found daily data insufficient and weekly plans too large or expensive upfront. By paying a moderate fee—often around ₦1,200 to ₦1,300—you’d get 3.5GB of data valid for 48 hours.

This plan was especially appealing for weekend usage or short-term projects, like a two-day conference or a weekend gaming spree. However, after MTN’s data revamp, the 3.5GB 2-Day bundle quietly disappeared from official listings, leaving many subscribers puzzled and searching for answers.

What Exactly Happened to the 3.5GB 2-Day Plan?

• Product Discontinuation: MTN streamlined its short-term data options, removing certain “mid-range” deals. The 3.5GB 2-Day Plan was among those cut.
• Payment Method Restrictions: This plan had also been restricted to MoMo or card payments, which might have contributed to its niche usage.
• Backend Cleanup: Plans no longer fitting the new structure were purged from the USSD menu, MyMTN App, and MoMo channels.

As a result, the old activation route (USSD or direct MoMo purchase) now yields errors or simply doesn’t show the plan.

Pre-February 13 Purchase Methods

Prior to its discontinuation, users typically bought the 3.5GB 2-Day Plan in two ways:

1. MoMo Wallet
• You’d load your MoMo wallet with enough funds, open the MoMo app or dial the MoMo USSD code (*223#), select “Buy Data,” pick “3.5GB 2-Day,” and confirm.
• This convenience enticed users who preferred not to spend from their airtime balance.
2. Bank Card Payment
• In some cases, the MyMTN NG App or MTN’s website allowed direct debit card transactions.
• After payment confirmation, you’d immediately receive 3.5GB valid for 48 hours.

No standard *312# sub-menu consistently showed this plan because it was listed among “special offers” or “MoMo/Card-only” deals.

The Old MB Rate

One reason the 3.5GB 2-Day Plan was popular: the cost per MB was fairly competitive among 2-day bundles. If it cost around ₦1,200:

• 3.5GB = 3,584MB
• Cost per MB ≈ ₦1,200 / 3,584MB ≈ ₦0.33 per MB

That rate sat between the more expensive daily data options (often ₦0.40–₦0.50 per MB) and the cheaper but larger weekly or monthly bundles. For moderate users, this plan was a sweet spot in both price and volume, particularly when they needed more than a day but didn’t want an entire week’s package.

Recent Changes Affecting the Plan

• Introduction of 3.2GB 2-Day: MTN introduced or spotlighted the 3.2GB 2-Day Plan at ₦1,000, overshadowing the older 3.5GB version. Although 3.5GB was slightly larger, 3.2GB has become the official 2-day highlight.
• Unified Payment Channels: MTN is gradually migrating to a simpler structure where each plan can be purchased via airtime, MoMo, or card—rather than restricting some plans to specific payment methods.
• Profitability and Portfolio Simplification: The telecom might have deemed the 3.5GB plan redundant or less profitable compared to other short-term bundles.

Why Is It No Longer Listed on MTN Website, MoMo App, or MyMTN App?

• Website Overhaul: Whenever MTN removes a plan from its product line, the official product pages get updated, wiping references to the discontinued plan.
• MoMo & MyMTN Updates: Both apps reflect the current database of active bundles. A plan that’s been retired won’t show up, preventing accidental purchases or user confusion.
• Error 404: If you click on old promotional links for this plan, you may see “404 Not Found” or a blank page, indicating that the page was removed.

Why Don’t the Old USSD Codes Work?

Some subscribers tried to find a hidden USSD short code for the 3.5GB 2-Day Plan. Often, references online pointed to something like *312*xyz#, or a specialized MoMo route. These codes no longer function because:

1. Deactivation: Once a product is pulled, any associated USSD codes are removed from MTN’s backend system.
2. No Fallback: Dialing those codes results in “Invalid request” or an empty prompt.

So if you see “Why is *312*XYZ# not working?” or “Why do I get an error message?,” the short answer is that the plan no longer exists in the system.

Best Alternatives for a 2-Day Window

With the 3.5GB 2-Day Plan gone, here are the top short-term substitutes:

1. 3.2GB 2-Day Plan
• Code: *312*180#
• Price: ₦1,000
• MB Rate: ~₦0.31 per MB
• Analysis: Slightly less data, but cheaper overall. Perfect if you need about 1.6GB per day over two days.
2. 2.5GB 2-Day Plan
• Price: ₦900
• Analysis: If you want to spend under ₦1,000, this plan remains an option. Valid for 48 hours, it’s good for moderate usage, though the cost per MB is a bit higher.
3. 5GB Weekly (*312*143#)
• If you’re uncertain about your usage, or it fluctuates, a 7-day plan at ₦1,500 might be better. You’ll spend a bit more but have more time to utilize the data.
4. Daily Plans (1GB or 1.4GB)
• If you only need data for a single day, picking a daily plan might suffice. Re-purchasing for two days can be done but may cost more than a dedicated 2-day bundle.

Common User Questions

• “How can I buy the 3.5GB 2-Day Plan now?”
• You cannot; it’s discontinued. Try the 3.2GB 2-Day Plan (*312*180#) instead.
• “Why is my old link or code showing an error?”
• MTN removed the plan’s listing and deactivated the associated code. You’ll see a 404 page or “invalid request.”
• “Is there a direct replacement with 3.5GB?”
• Not exactly. The 3.2GB 2-Day is the closest match in data volume and validity period.
• “Can I still pay with MoMo or card?”
• Yes, for other active bundles. The difference is that you’re not restricted to MoMo or card for the official 2-day plan. You can also use airtime.

Why Did MTN Remove So Many Niche Plans?

• Portfolio Streamlining: Telecom operators periodically remove less popular or overlapping products to simplify the user experience.
• Profit & Usage Data: If a plan is used by a small or niche segment—or if it offers a lower margin—it may be phased out.
• Push to Other Plans: By eliminating certain bundles, MTN can nudge subscribers toward more universal, long-term, or higher-tier plans.

In many ways, the telecom is recalibrating data usage patterns, likely focusing on daily, weekly, and monthly “anchor” plans.

Strategies for Adaptation

If you previously relied on the 3.5GB 2-Day Plan for your moderate browsing, streaming, or teleworking sessions, consider these tips:

1. Check the 3.2GB 2-Day
• Similar usage profile, slightly cheaper, slightly less data.
• Adequate for two days of moderate usage.
2. Combine Smaller Plans
• If you only need ~1GB each day, you might do a 1GB + voice daily plan at ₦350 or the 1.4GB daily at ₦600. However, that could total ₦700–₦1,200 for two days, so do the math carefully.
3. Try Weekly if Your Usage Spills Over
• The 5GB weekly at ₦1,500 can handle up to 2.5GB in two days if you’re disciplined. If you don’t consume it all, you can stretch it across the rest of the week.
4. Monitor for Promotions
• Sometimes, MTN reintroduces “special offers.” Remain alert to text messages or MyMTN App banners highlighting short-term data sales.

A Look at Cost Per MB

Below is a brief table comparing cost per MB of possible 2-day or near-2-day options:

You’ll notice the 3.2GB 2-Day is competitively priced, though it offers 0.3GB less total data than the old plan. Meanwhile, the 5GB weekly can be even cheaper per MB, but the lump-sum cost is higher and the validity is 7 days instead of 2.

Conclusion: Where Do We Go From Here?

The removal of the 3.5GB 2-Day Plan underscores MTN’s shift in strategy: fewer specialized deals that require specific payment methods, replaced by broader (and arguably simpler) product lines accessible to all. While losing a favorite plan can be frustrating, the new 3.2GB 2-Day or 2.5GB 2-Day deals can still address short-term data needs.

For some, pivoting to a weekly or monthly plan might yield better overall value and reduce the need to frequently re-subscribe. If your data usage is unpredictable, keep an eye on mid-range weekly bundles. If you consistently need large volumes, monthly or 2-month plans might be the best bet.

Key Takeaway: The 3.5GB 2-Day plan is gone, but you’re not out of options. By evaluating your average daily usage, you can settle on the 3.2GB 2-Day or even a weekly plan that prevents wastage or budget overload. Always watch out for official MTN communications—new promotional bundles sometimes pop up that closely mirror discontinued ones.