Elon Musk’s Starlink has rapidly ascended to become Nigeria’s second-largest Internet Service Provider by subscriber count, according to the Nigerian Communications Commission’s (NCC) latest data for Q3 2024.
The data shows that Starlink’s active customer base in Nigeria soared to 65,564 by the end of the quarter—a remarkable increase from the 23,897 subscribers recorded in December 2023. This growth of 41,667 new customers over just nine months has propelled Starlink past FiberOne, which had previously held the second position.
Meanwhile, Spectranet, one of Nigeria’s oldest ISPs, continues to dominate the market with 105,441 active customers, although it experienced a decline of over 8,000 subscribers compared to its 2023 figures. FiberOne now lags in third place with 33,010 active customers.
The NCC’s records further indicate that of the 241 companies licensed as ISPs in Nigeria, only 124 have active subscribers, collectively serving 307,946 users. In stark contrast, the country’s four mobile network operators boast a combined total of 132.4 million active internet subscriptions.
Despite its relatively higher costs compared to local alternatives, Starlink’s satellite service has sparked significant interest among Nigerians eager to switch to a more reliable provider, particularly in areas with poor connectivity. Launched in January 2023, Starlink quickly captured the market’s attention, eventually reaching a point where it had to suspend new orders in major cities such as Lagos, Abuja, and Port Harcourt due to overwhelming demand. Moreover, the service was reported to be sold out in Benin City and Warri.
Adding to its rapid rise, Starlink increased its subscription price from N38,000 to N75,000 per month in December 2023, following initial friction with the NCC over the price hike, which was announced without securing prior regulatory approval. This strategic price adjustment, coupled with the surge in subscribers, underscores Starlink’s strong foothold in Nigeria’s competitive ISP landscape, even as it contends with established local players.
As Nigeria’s digital connectivity continues to evolve, Starlink’s impressive growth not only highlights its appeal but also signals a broader transformation in how Nigerians access and experience the internet.
