FibreOne’s Alarming 42% Subscriber Drop Signals Crisis in Nigerian ISP Market
Nigeria’s internet service provider (ISP) sector has recently experienced its most significant downturn in years, marked by a substantial loss of subscribers and the exit of numerous companies. Data released by the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) reveals that over 18,000 subscribers were lost, and 18 companies ceased operations between Q3 2024 and Q1 2025. This sharp decline is primarily attributed to escalating operational expenses and a noticeable consumer shift towards more affordable mobile internet solutions, significantly eroding the customer base of key players in the fixed broadband segment.
# Fixed Broadband Providers Under Pressure: FibreOne Bears the Brunt
Among the affected providers, FibreOne recorded the most severe impact, experiencing a staggering 42.4% decline in its subscriber base since Q3 2024. Even industry giants were not immune to this market correction. Spectranet, previously a leading fixed broadband provider in Nigeria, saw its subscriber count drop by 2.08%. Starlink, which boasts the most extensive coverage nationwide, also reported a 9% reduction in subscribers. Overall, the total number of fixed broadband users in Nigeria decreased from 307,946 in Q3 2024 to 289,369 by Q1 2025. This significant contraction underscores the increasing vulnerability of traditional ISPs within a Nigerian market that is rapidly gravitating towards mobile internet options.
This substantial market contraction clearly reflects a broader trend where Nigerian consumers are increasingly prioritizing the affordability offered by mobile internet. While mobile data services are often sufficient for general browsing and casual use, their reliability and performance for more demanding applications can often fall short compared to dedicated fixed broadband connections. The economic pressures faced by both consumers and ISPs are reshaping Nigeria’s digital landscape, forcing a re-evaluation of how internet services are consumed and delivered across the nation.
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