Internet Providers in Nigeria Struggle as Subscribers Jump Ship
The Nigerian internet landscape is facing a period of significant churn, with over 18,000 subscribers abandoning their internet service providers (ISPs) in the last six months. This exodus underscores the challenges faced by the industry, including rising costs and customer dissatisfaction with service quality. The trend signals a critical juncture for internet access in Nigeria, impacting both established players and newer entrants.
Starlink, FibreOne, and Spectranet Hit Hard by Subscriber Losses
Starlink, the satellite internet service, experienced the most dramatic decline. Between January and March 2025, the company witnessed a 14% drop in subscribers, representing its steepest quarterly loss since its 2023 debut in the country. This decline can be directly attributed to Starlink’s decision to significantly increase its prices. Monthly subscription fees doubled from ₦38,000 to ₦75,000, and the hardware cost jumped from ₦440,000 to ₦590,000. The company cited economic pressures, including fluctuating foreign exchange rates and rising import costs, as justification for these increases. Spectranet, a widely used ISP in Nigeria, also suffered a 2.08% loss in subscribers. However, FibreOne, a major fibre-to-the-home provider, faced the largest subscriber loss. This ISP saw a 42.4% decrease in its customer base. Although FibreOne didn’t have price hikes as drastic as Starlink’s, it also faced economic difficulties and increasing customer complaints.
In conclusion, the internet service market in Nigeria is undergoing a period of turbulence. The data from the NCC highlights the impact of economic challenges on both established and newer players in the industry. The future success of these ISPs will heavily rely on their ability to adapt to shifting economic conditions, improve service delivery, and address customer concerns regarding affordability and overall value.
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