Aka Ekene, PBA Journalism MenteeHighlights
– Internet subscriptions across mobile, fixed, and VOIP networks in Nigeria rose to 156.9 million in February 2023, with a 0.48% increase from the previous month.
– Mobile networks continue to dominate the Internet market, accounting for 99.6% of the total internet subscriptions in Nigeria.
– The subscription to broadband increased to 92.5 million in February, with a broadband penetration rate of 48.49%, indicating a positive trend towards enhancing the country’s digital transformation.
According to the latest industry statistics released by the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), Internet subscriptions across mobile, fixed, and VOIP networks in Nigeria reached 156.9 million in February 2023, indicating a 0.48 per cent increase from the previous month. This section provides a comprehensive analysis of the report, highlighting the key findings and trends shaping the country’s internet market.
Telecom Operators Record an Increase in Internet Subscriptions
The NCC’s data shows that telecom operators recorded a total of 743,065 new subscriptions in February, resulting in a significant growth of the database. Mobile network operators, including MTN, Airtel, Globacom, and 9mobile, accounted for 156.4 million subscriptions, indicating their continued dominance of the Internet market. Meanwhile, VOIP operators Smile and Ntel recorded 345,422 Internet subscriptions, while 16,320 were on fixed wired networks (21st Century and iPNX).
Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP), is a technology that allows you to make voice calls using a broadband Internet connection instead of a regular phone line.
Mobile Network Remains the Dominant Network for Internet Access
Despite the availability of different networks offering internet services, mobile network remains the most popular used by Nigerians to access the Internet. In February 2023, mobile networks accounted for 99.6% of the total Internet subscriptions in the country. This trend is expected to continue as more Nigerians adopt mobile devices as their primary means of accessing the Internet.
Broadband Penetration Rises to 48.49%
The report also reveals that the subscription to broadband, which refers to high-speed Internet service, rose to 92.5 million in February from 92 million recorded in January 2023. This brought the country’s broadband penetration to 48.49%, indicating a significant increase in the number of Nigerians with access to high-speed internet.
Globacom and MTN Record the Highest Increase in Internet Subscriptions
Among the mobile network operators, Globacom recorded the highest increase in Internet subscriptions, with 340,576 new subscriptions in February, bringing its total active internet subscriptions to 43.4 million. MTN, which has the largest operator by subscriber number, recorded an addition of 335,939 new Internet subscriptions in the month, bringing its total active subscriptions to 66.7 million. Airtel recorded a 111,039 increase in the month, while 9mobile lost some internet subscriptions, with its database reduced by 41,851.
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Conclusion
The latest report from the NCC shows that Nigeria’s Internet market continues to grow, with more Nigerians gaining access to the Internet. The increase in broadband penetration is a positive development that will boost economic growth and enhance the country’s digital transformation. With mobile networks remaining the dominant network for internet access, telecom operators need to invest in improving their network infrastructure to meet the growing demand for high-speed internet services.
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