Elon Musk’s Starlink has climbed the ranks to become Nigeria’s second-largest Internet Service Provider (ISP), surpassing FiberOne in subscriber numbers. While Starlink continues its rapid expansion, Spectranet remains the market leader.
A recent report from the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) highlighted this development, with Q3 2024 data showing that Spectranet held onto the top spot with 105,441 active subscribers. However, the provider suffered a decline of more than 8,000 users since December 2023.
Meanwhile, Starlink, which launched in Nigeria in January 2023, has experienced significant growth. Within just nine months, its subscriber base surged to 65,564, marking an impressive gain of 41,667 new users. This pushed FiberOne into third place, now serving 33,010 customers.
The Numbers Behind the Shift
The NCC report also revealed that, of the 241 licensed ISPs in Nigeria, only 124 had active users in Q3 2024, collectively providing services to 307,946 subscribers. However, this figure pales in comparison to the dominance of mobile network operators, including MTN, Airtel, Globacom, and 9mobile, which together boasted over 130 million internet users by September 2024.
Starlink’s rapid ascent can be attributed to its satellite-based service, which offers connectivity in remote areas where traditional ISPs struggle. By the end of 2023, the company had already climbed to third place with 23,897 users, reflecting a staggering 113% increase from the previous quarter.
Challenges and Expansion Plans
Starlink’s expansion has been bolstered by partnerships with local companies such as TD Africa and Konga. However, its growth has not been without hurdles. In 2023, the company temporarily halted new orders in major cities like Lagos, Abuja, and Port Harcourt due to capacity constraints.
As Nigeria’s internet landscape continues to evolve, Starlink’s disruptive presence signals a shift in consumer preference, particularly among users in underserved regions. The competition between ISPs is expected to intensify as demand for reliable internet access grows nationwide.
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3 replies on “Starlink Overtakes FiberOne as Nigeria’s Internet Market Shifts”
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