Which Data Plan to Buy When Owing MTN or Airtel Debt
Many users face the problem where MTN or Airtel automatically deducts purchased data to settle outstanding debts. This can be frustrating, especially when you need internet for personal use or business, but the network absorbs it to recover your owed amount. Knowing which type of data plan to buy can help you avoid this automatic deduction.
The first thing to understand is that not all data plans are treated the same by the network. Regular or “standard” data bought directly from the network usually gets consumed first to repay any outstanding balance. This means if you buy normal data while owing, the system automatically deducts it to clear debt.
On INLOMAX, users have the option to buy different types of data: Gifting Data, SME Data, and Share & Sell Data. Each of these behaves differently in terms of network accounting and how it interacts with owed balances.
Gifting Data is primarily designed to be sent from your number to another. However, when you buy Gifting Data while owing money to MTN or Airtel, the network may still consider it part of your main account and deduct it automatically to settle debt. It is not completely safe if your goal is to keep the data for yourself.
SME Data, on the other hand, is meant for small and medium businesses. Networks sometimes treat SME Data differently because it is designed for bulk users. In many cases, SME Data bought on INLOMAX does not get automatically deducted to settle personal debts, especially if the plan is purchased under a business account or VTU line. This makes SME Data a safer option if your goal is to preserve your purchased data for actual usage.
Share & Sell Data is a type of VTU plan that allows you to buy data and immediately transfer or sell it to other numbers. Since the data is not technically credited to your line until transferred, it often bypasses the automatic debt recovery mechanism. This can be useful if your network is aggressively deducting normal data.
Another advantage of SME and Share & Sell plans is that they usually come in larger allocations, which is helpful for users who need to maintain internet access while repaying debt slowly. Unlike normal data, which disappears quickly, these plans can give you control over how the data is used.
It is important to note that networks like MTN and Airtel constantly update their policies. Some older lines may still have the system deducting all types of data. Therefore, it is advisable to test with a small purchase before buying in bulk.
Planning your purchases strategically can also help. If possible, buy SME or Share & Sell data in small increments to ensure that it is credited properly and not automatically taken to settle debt. Keep track of your network notifications to confirm your data balance.
Another tip is to keep your VTU or business account separate from your personal line. When using a dedicated VTU number for data purchases, the network often treats that line differently, reducing the chances of automatic deductions for debt repayment.
If you absolutely must use regular data, consider clearing a minimal portion of your debt first. Sometimes even a small repayment prevents the network from taking all newly purchased data. Then, you can safely buy Gifting or SME Data without fear of losing it immediately.
In conclusion, for users owing MTN or Airtel: SME Data or Share & Sell Data on INLOMAX are your best options if you want to avoid automatic deductions. Gifting Data is less reliable in this scenario, and normal network data should be used cautiously. By understanding how each plan interacts with owed balances, you can maintain uninterrupted internet access while managing debt responsibly.