Starlink, SpaceX’s satellite internet service, has overtaken FiberOne Broadband Limited to become Nigeria’s second-largest internet service provider (ISP) by the end of 2024, according to data from the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC).
The company’s subscriber base more than doubled in one year, increasing from 23,897 users in 2023 to 65,564 in 2024.
Despite a premium pricing model, Starlink’s offering of speeds up to 250 Mbps has driven adoption, outpacing most local ISPs. Spectranet remains the market leader, though its subscriber base declined from 113,869 at the end of 2023 to 105,441 in Q3 2024, with no change in Q4.
Unlike Starlink’s satellite-based service, Spectranet relies on fiber and terrestrial wireless networks, which require significant infrastructure investment.
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Amid growing demand, Starlink’s proposed price hike from ₦38,000 to ₦75,000 per month was initially blocked by regulators but later approved in February 2025. However, the company has yet to implement the new pricing.
Starlink’s rise highlights a shift in Nigeria’s broadband market. Mobile network operators and fiber-based ISPs face challenges such as infrastructure costs and right-of-way fees, while satellite internet can bypass these barriers.
Despite this, Starlink remains a fixed-location service, limiting its mobility. The company is expanding satellite-to-phone services globally, but this feature has yet to reach Africa. Regulatory scrutiny and pricing concerns will be key factors in Starlink’s long-term market position.
