Starlink Has become Nigeria’s Second-largest ISP

The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) reports that in 2024, SpaceX’s satellite internet service, Starlink, surpassed FiberOne Broadband Limited to become Nigeria’s second-largest ISP. By the end of 2024, Starlink had more than quadrupled its user base from 23,897 in 2023 to 65,564 by the end of 2024, despite its premium price. This quick expansion is a result of the growing demand for its high-speed connectivity, which may reach 250 Mbps, which is far faster than what the majority of local ISPs provide.

Spectranet continues to dominate the market in spite of a drop in customers. NCC data shows that its subscriber base decreased by 8,428 individuals, from 113,869 at the end of 2023 to 105,441 in Q3 2024. In Q4, this figure did not change. Spectranet relies on fibre and terrestrial wireless networks, which necessitate costly rights-of-way fees, tower structures, and power infrastructure, in contrast to Starlink, which uses satellite.

Starlink’s expansion coincides with an increase in customer complaints about the consistently subpar internet service provided by ISPs and mobile network carriers. In contrast to its rivals, the satellite internet provider keeps growing its worldwide satellite network, increasing service dependability, decreasing latency, and speeding up speeds. Of the 8,039 Starlink satellites that SpaceX has launched as of February 2025, 7,082 are still in orbit and 7,049 are in operation.

In Nigeria, Starlink stated in December 2024 that the cost of its regular residential service will double due to a monthly membership price hike. New customers were impacted by the increase, and on January 27, 2025, current users were scheduled to switch to the most recent rate. However, Starlink paused the rate change due to the spike in demand.

Starlink had already had price issues in Nigeria. A prior effort by the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) to increase prices was denied in October 2024 on the grounds that the corporation had not complied with the correct regulatory processes. On February 4, 2024, the NCC subsequently authorised the increase, enabling telecom providers to modify their rates. Nevertheless, there are operators like Smile, MTN Nigeria, and Airtel Nigeria.

The growing presence of Starlink in Nigeria indicates a change in the broadband landscape of the nation as the need for dependable internet connectivity increases. However, obstacles related to price, regulations, and mobile connection continue to be crucial to its long-term viability.