Starlink has claimed the position of Nigeria’s second-largest Internet Service Provider, amassing over 65k subscribers in less than two years of operation. SpaceX Starlink’s meteoric rise challenges traditional ISPs and reshapes Nigeria’s digital landscape.
Recent data from the Nigerian Communications Commission reveals Starlink’s active customer base reached 65,564 by Q3 2024, representing a striking 174% increase from December 2023. This growth pushed the company past FiberOne, marking a significant disruption in Nigeria’s internet service sector.
Spectranet maintains its market leadership with 105,441 active customers, despite losing over 8,000 subscribers since December 2023. FiberOne now occupies third position with 33,010 active customers.
While Nigeria hosts 241 licensed ISPs, only 124 maintain active operations. These providers collectively serve roughly 308k customers – a fraction compared to the 132.4 million subscriptions held by mobile network operators like MTN and Airtel.
Starlink’s recent pricing decisions have sparked controversy. The company doubled its monthly subscription from N38,000 to N75,000 ($50) in December 2024, leading to tensions with the NCC over approval procedures. Despite higher costs, demand continues to surge, particularly in areas underserved by traditional networks.
The appeal of satellite internet in regions with underdeveloped terrestrial infrastructure cannot be overstated. Rural and semi-urban areas, long neglected by traditional ISPs, now represent Starlink’s strongest foothold. The service’s popularity forced Starlink to pause new subscriptions in major cities including Lagos, Abuja, and Port Harcourt after reaching capacity, (Starlink Terminals Sell Out Across Africa as Demand Surges; Nigeria and Kenya Face High Demand). Similar sellouts occurred in Benin City and Warri, demonstrating strong market appetite despite premium pricing.
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