Gone is the 350MB + 3 Mins Weekly deal, once perfect for a low-data, low-call combination. Find out what prompted MTN to remove it, why the USSD code fails, and which weekly alternatives best fit your budget and talk-time needs.

The “350MB + 3 Mins” plan was a compact weekly offering from MTN, giving you a small data allowance (350MB) plus three free minutes of voice calls to any network. Costing around ₦500, it stood out in a market where most weekly plans either provided data only or a significantly larger data volume. This plan targeted subscribers who used minimal data—perhaps checking emails or social media occasionally—but appreciated a few free minutes of talk time.

After MTN’s sweeping data plan changes took effect around February 13, this combo vanished. Dialing *312*102# now leads to a dead-end. Let’s explore exactly why it disappeared and how to adapt.

What Happened to the 350MB + 3 Mins Weekly Deal?

• Full Removal: MTN discontinued it, along with several other smaller weekly bundles.
• Voice + Data Restructuring: The telecom often bundles data with voice benefits in mid-range or monthly plans now. Smaller combos have either been revised or removed.
• Shift to Higher Weekly Data: Current weekly offerings revolve around 1GB, 5GB, or 7GB—often without small call bonuses.

How to Buy It Before February 13

Subscribers typically dialed *312*102# to activate the 350MB + 3 Mins weekly plan directly from their airtime. Sometimes, it appeared in the MyMTN NG App under “Weekly Plans,” labeled as a “data + voice” combo. Payment was straightforward—no special MoMo or bank card restriction. Once purchased, you got:

• 350MB of data
• 3 free voice minutes (to all networks)
• 7 days of validity

The MB Rate Prior to Removal

At around ₦500 for 350MB, the cost per MB was roughly ₦1.4While that’s high by typical data standards, the real draw for some users was the free 3 voice minutes. Essentially, you paid a premium for the added call benefits.

What’s Changed in MTN’s Weekly Portfolio?

• Removal of Smaller Bundles: Alongside the 350MB plan, the 750MB Weekly also vanished. Now, weekly plans typically start around 1GB or more.
• Voice Integration: Newer weekly combos might offer voice minutes, but they are often at a higher data volume and price point—like “1GB + 5 Mins Weekly” or “1.5GB + 5 Mins Weekly.”
• Focus on Larger Data: The updated lineup leans toward 5GB or 7GB weekly for heavier users.

Why Is It No Longer Listed on MTN Channels?

MTN systematically delists plans that are retired:

• MyMTN NG App: The “Weekly Plans” section no longer includes 350MB combos.
• Website: Any mention of *312*102# or the plan has been purged or leads to outdated pages.
• USSD Error: The code *312*102# typically yields “Invalid response” now.

Why Does *312*102# Fail?

Similar to other removed plans:

• Deactivated Product Code: The plan’s internal ID was pulled from the system, so the USSD invocation no longer finds a match.
• No Substitution: There isn’t an automatic redirect to a comparable plan, so you’re left with an error message or no response.

Alternatives to the 350MB + 3 Mins Weekly

While no direct replacement has the exact same specs, here are potential weekly combos or small data deals:

1. 1GB + 5 Mins Weekly (*312*142#)
• Price: ₦800
• Data: 1GB
• Voice: 5 free minutes
• Validity: 7 days
• Analysis: If you liked combining calls with data, this is the nearest alternative. You pay ₦300 more but get almost triple the data and extra voice minutes.
2. 5GB Weekly (*312*143#)
• Price: ₦1,500
• Validity: 7 days
• Data Only (no voice minutes)
• Analysis: Great if your weekly usage is moderate to heavy. Lacks the built-in voice bonus, but more data overall.
3. Daily + Voice Combos
• For smaller budgets, a daily 1GB + 3 Mins plan exists around ₦350. Buying it twice in a week might cost ₦700, though that only covers 2 days unless you re-purchase multiple times.
4. Small Monthly Voice + Data Plans
• If you prefer a consistent voice allowance, some monthly combos (like 1.8GB + 5 Mins at ₦1,500) might serve you better over 30 days.

Addressing Typical User Questions

• “How do I buy 350MB + 3 Mins Weekly now?”
• You can’t. The plan has been removed entirely.
• “Why does the code show an error?”
• *312*102# no longer corresponds to an active MTN plan. The product code was deactivated.
• “Is there a weekly plan with free minutes?”
• Yes. The “1GB + 5 Mins Weekly” at ₦800 is the closest in structure.
• “I only need about 350MB per week—what do I do?”
• You could either buy smaller daily bundles on the days you need data or explore the 500MB Weekly (₦500) if it still exists in your region. However, that latter plan may also be limited or removed for some customers. Alternatively, check if the “500MB + 3 Mins Weekly” is still offered (*312*103#).

Why Did MTN Phase Out Smaller Weekly Combos?

• Encouraging Higher Spend: Larger weekly data ensures bigger revenue per user.
• Portfolio Simplification: Having many small variants (350MB, 750MB, 1.5GB, 1GB + minutes, etc.) can confuse customers.
• Market Trends: Average data consumption is rising; smaller plans may not be as popular or profitable.

Navigating the Change

If you were comfortable with minimal data plus a few call minutes for a full week, try these strategies:

1. Consider the 1GB + 5 Mins Weekly
• It’s the direct advanced alternative. Higher cost, but also more resources.
2. Buy a Daily Plan Multiple Times
• If your data needs are truly minimal on certain days, a daily plan might cost less in total. You won’t get the 3 free minutes automatically, though—unless you pick “1GB + 3 Mins Daily.”
3. Monthly Low-End Voice + Data
• Some monthly combos start at ₦1,500–₦2,000, providing 1.8GB to 2.7GB plus some free minutes. That might yield a better cost structure if you’re okay paying upfront.
4. Watch for Promotions
• MTN occasionally reintroduces voice+data combos in seasonal promos. Keep an eye on SMS or push notifications.

Analyzing Cost-Per-MB and Voice Tradeoffs

Here’s a quick breakdown:

Notably, the old plan was relatively expensive per MB. The 1GB + 5 Mins weekly plan at ₦800 is significantly cheaper per MB while offering more voice minutes. The tradeoff is paying more upfront.

Conclusion: Is the Loss Significant?

The 350MB + 3 Mins Weekly Plan served a very specific niche: minimal data plus a small talk allowance over seven days. Its discontinuation pushes those subscribers to either:

• 1GB + 5 Mins Weekly for a comparable but costlier approach.
• Tiny daily plans if usage is sporadic.
• Larger monthly combos if the budget allows and overall usage is consistent.

In short, the market trend is drifting away from these ultra-small weekly combos. While it’s unfortunate for those who found the 350MB plan “just enough,” many users might actually benefit from the greater value offered by bigger weekly or monthly combos—especially in a world where data consumption is steadily climbing.

Key Takeaway: If you truly want a small chunk of data plus some talk time weekly, check the “1GB + 5 Mins Weekly” alternative or see if any new promotions appear. For now, the *312*102# code is history, and you’ll need to adapt to the updated weekly data structure.