Elon Musk’s Starlink has officially taken over as Nigeria’s second-largest Internet Service Provider (ISP), surpassing FiberOne in a rapid expansion that signals a major shift in the country’s internet landscape.
According to the latest data from the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), Starlink’s subscriber base skyrocketed to 65,564 users in just nine months, pushing FiberOne down to third place with 33,010 customers. While Spectranet still holds the top position with 105,441 active subscribers, it has been losing ground, shedding over 8,000 users since December 2023.
Since launching in January 2023, Starlink has disrupted Nigeria’s internet market with its satellite-based service, offering high-speed connectivity in rural and underserved areas where traditional ISPs struggle. By the end of 2023, the company had already secured third place with 23,897 users, marking a staggering 113% growth in a single quarter.
Beyond individual users, partnerships with Nigerian companies like TD Africa and Konga have further fueled Starlink’s expansion. However, its meteoric rise has not been without challenges—by late 2023, the company paused new orders in major cities like Lagos, Abuja, and Port Harcourt due to capacity constraints.
Can Starlink Challenge Spectranet?
Despite its rapid growth, Starlink and other ISPs still lag far behind Nigeria’s mobile network operators—MTN, Airtel, Globacom, and 9mobile—which collectively serve over 130 million internet users. However, with demand for reliable internet skyrocketing, Starlink’s trajectory suggests it may soon challenge Spectranet for the top spot.
As Nigeria’s digital revolution accelerates, one thing is clear—Starlink is no longer just an emerging player; it’s a dominant force reshaping the country’s internet landscape.
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