Since its launch, Starlink, SpaceX’s satellite internet service, has garnered significant interest across the world, and Nigeria is no exception. As of March 2025, Starlink is recognized as the second largest Internet Service Provider in the country. An achievement that is a testament to the growing impact of satellite technology in emerging markets.

Nigeria Internet Market Context

Nigeria, with a population of over 200 million, is the most populous country in Africa. However, despite its potential, the country has long suffered from limited internet access, especially in rural areas. According to data from Nigeria’s National Communications Commission (NCC), the country’s internet penetration rate was about 50% in 2023, meaning that nearly 100 million people did not have access to reliable internet services.

Traditionally, the main internet service providers in Nigeria have been telecommunications companies, but the growing demand for alternative solutions has paved the way for innovative players like Starlink. With its network of low-orbit satellites, Starlink promises internet coverage in areas where terrestrial infrastructure is poor or non-existent.

NCC confirms Starlink’s rise

Elon Musk’s Starlink has become the second-largest internet service provider (ISP) in Nigeria, surpassing FiberOne in terms of customer base, while Spectranet continues to hold the market’s top spot.

This information is revealed in a recent report by the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC). According to NCC’s Q3 2024 data, Spectranet remains the leader with 105,441 active subscribers, although it has seen a decline of over 8,000 users since December 2023.

In comparison, Starlink, launched in Nigeria in January 2023, has seen impressive growth, reaching 65,564 subscribers after just nine months, adding 41,667 new users. As a result, FiberOne has fallen to third place with 33,010 subscribers.

Starlink: A Technological Revolution

Launched by SpaceX in 2020, Starlink aims to provide high-speed internet access to millions of people around the world. By March 2025, Starlink had successfully established a significant subscriber base in Nigeria.

One of the key benefits of Starlink is its ability to provide internet service to remote areas. Users can connect to the internet via a satellite dish and modem, eliminating the need for costly terrestrial infrastructure. This is particularly beneficial for rural communities and small businesses that have long been left behind by traditional providers.

Key Figures and Performance

• Subscriber Growth: In just two years, Starlink has managed to attract 1.5 million subscribers in Nigeria, representing a 300% growth over the previous year. This rapid progression is attributed to the growing demand for reliable and fast internet access.
• Connection Speed: Starlink users in Nigeria report download speeds ranging from 50 to 150 Mbps, which is competitive with terrestrial services. In comparison, the average fixed internet speed in Nigeria was around 20 Mbps in 2023.
• Coverage: Starlink has successfully covered over 80% of Nigeria, including rural areas that were previously underserved. This is providing millions of people with access to online services, education, and economic opportunities in Nigeria.
• Economic Impact: According to a study conducted by the Information and Communication Technology (ICT) Research Centre, Starlink’s expansion could generate up to USD 1.2 billion in additional revenue for the Nigerian economy by 2026, boosting sectors such as education, healthcare, and e-commerce.

Challenges and Prospects for Starlink

Despite its success, Starlink faces several challenges in Nigeria. One of the main barriers is the subscription cost, which is around 100 USD per month. While this is competitive with traditional services, this price remains high for a large portion of the Nigerian population, where the average income is around 300 USD per month.

In addition, government regulations and policies may also influence Starlink’s expansion. The Nigerian government has recently put in place measures to encourage investment in digital infrastructure, but concerns remain about fair competition with traditional providers.

Reducing the cost of internet access in Africa

Starlink is transforming the landscape of internet access in Africa, offering an innovative solution to the infrastructure challenges facing the country. With a growing subscriber base and competitive performance, Starlink is well positioned to play a key role in improving internet access for millions of Nigerians.

As technology continues to evolve and subscription costs decrease, it is likely that Starlink and other similar services will help bridge the digital divide in Nigeria. Ultimately, expanding internet access could have profound impacts on Nigerians’ education, economy, and quality of life, paving the way for a more inclusive and connected digital future.