The internet landscape in Nigeria is currently experiencing significant shifts, particularly within the Internet Service Provider (ISP) sector. Recent data from the Nigerian Communication Commission (NCC) for Q1 2025 reveals a noticeable decline in active customers for ISPs, a trend largely attributed to a 50% tariff increase approved by the NCC. While mobile network operators (MNOs) have maintained relative stability in internet subscriptions, ISPs have been more acutely impacted by customer churn.
Across the 127 ISPs whose data was available, total active customers dropped to 289,369 in Q1 2025 from 307,946 in Q3 2024. This downtrend has affected all major ISPs, as Nigerians adjust to the increased costs of internet services. Interestingly, despite losing a significant number of customers, the top three market leaders from Q3 2024 – Spectranet, Starlink, and FibreOne – have managed to retain their positions, underscoring a widespread challenge across the industry.
One notable impact has been on Starlink, Elon Musk’s satellite internet service, which has seen its customer base decline for the first time. The recent hike in its monthly subscription from N38,000 to N57,000 has led to many users seeking more affordable alternatives. Starlink’s active subscribers fell from 65,564 in Q3 2024 to 59,509 in Q1 2025, indicating over 6,000 users discontinuing their subscriptions.
Below, we delve into the top 10 ISPs in Nigeria as of Q1 2025, ranked by their active subscriber numbers according to the latest NCC data:
The Top 10 Leading ISPs in Nigeria (Q1 2025)
1. Spectranet (103,252 Active Customers)
Maintaining its strong lead, Spectranet remains Nigeria’s number one ISP by a significant margin. Licensed in 2009, Spectranet was one of the first providers to launch 4G LTE internet services in Nigeria. Despite a decline of approximately 2,000 active customers, the company’s substantial base of 103,252 active subscribers as of Q1 2025 solidifies its position as the market leader. Their long-standing presence and commitment to internet services continue to draw a large customer base.
2. Starlink (59,509 Active Customers)
Elon Musk’s Starlink rapidly ascended to become the second-largest ISP in Nigeria by Q3 2024, despite only officially entering the market in January 2023. Known for its satellite-based broadband, offering internet access across all parts of Nigeria, Starlink’s initial growth was remarkable. However, Q1 2025 marked its first subscriber decline, with its customer base dropping from 65,564 in Q3 2024 to 59,509 active customers. This reduction is largely attributed to its recent price increase, prompting users to explore other options.
Also See: Unbiased Starlink Review in Nigeria, Shopping and Price Guide 2025
3. FibreOne (19,000 Active Customers)
FibreOne stands as a key player in the fibre-to-the-home (FTTH) market, aiming to revolutionize last-mile internet delivery with unlimited, high-quality, and affordable services for homes and businesses. Despite maintaining its third position, FibreOne experienced the largest decline among major ISPs, with its active customer base plummeting from 33,010 in Q3 2024 to 19,000 in Q1 2025, a loss of over 14,000 customers. This significant churn highlights the current market sensitivity to pricing.
4. Tizeti (16,466 Active Customers)
Tizeti continues to hold its ground as the fourth-largest ISP in Nigeria. This provider offers high-speed broadband internet to residences, businesses, and events, leveraging a unique model of owned and operated towers with solar panels to provide disruptive, customer-friendly pricing for unlimited internet. As of Q1 2025, Tizeti reported 16,466 active customers, showcasing its consistent appeal in the market.
5. ipNX (16,283 Active Customers)
ipNX maintains its position as the fifth-largest ISP and is recognized as one of Nigeria’s fastest-growing providers. As a pioneer and leading Fibre-To-The-Home (FTTH) operator, ipNX serves a diverse range of clients, from enterprises to small businesses and residents, with innovative, world-class services. The company recorded 16,283 active customers as of March 2025.
6. Broadbased Communications (9,940 Active Customers)
Broadbased Communications Limited is a relatively newer entrant to the NCC’s active ISP database but has quickly climbed the ranks. Licensed as a Metropolitan Fiber Optic Network Operator, Private Network Links Operator, International Data Access Gateway Operator, Value Added Services Operator, and ISP, Broadbased offers a wide range of services. By the end of Q1 2025, it secured the sixth position with 9,940 active customers.
7. Ngcom Limited (6,448 Active Customers)
Ngcom Limited is an NCC-licensed network company providing internet services across Nigeria. The company prides itself on offering “limitless access” unlimited internet service to residential and business users via fiber optic and fixed wireless, without data or time caps. A slight increase in its active customer base propelled Ngcom to the seventh position from its previous eighth, ending March with 6,448 active customers.
8. VDT Communications (5,564 Active Customers)
VDT Communications specializes in providing Enterprise-Wide Area Network (WAN) and Metropolitan Area Network (MAN) link connectivity using robust Fiber Optic and Wireless Communication infrastructure. As a broadband communication service provider to corporate organizations, VDT boasts leased Fiber Optic trunks to all 36 states in Nigeria and the FCT, with 55 Points-Of-Presence (POP). VDT slipped from its seventh position in the previous quarter to eighth in Q1 2025, as its customer number declined to 5,564 from 6,307 recorded in Q3 2024.
9. Cyberspace Network Limited (4,087 Active Customers)
Founded in 1995, Cyberspace Network Limited has established itself as a comprehensive network and software solution provider. With a mission to deliver excellent value-added ICT services and cutting-edge networking solutions, the wholly-owned Nigerian company deployed its 4G LTE network infrastructure in 2014, promising enhanced speed, mobility, and security. Its active customer base stood at 4,087 at the end of March 2025.
10. Radical Technology Network Ltd (3,674 Active Customers)
Radical Technology Network Ltd secures the tenth position among Nigeria’s leading ISPs. Headquartered in Lagos with a presence in Abuja, Port Harcourt, Kano, and Onitsha, the company is known for its high levels of customer responsiveness and service quality. These traits have fostered long-standing customer relationships, making it a reliable ISP. Radical Technology Network had a total of 3,674 customers as of Q1 2025.
The Road Ahead for Nigerian ISPs
The current decline in ISP customer numbers highlights the challenges faced by the sector, particularly with increased tariffs and intense competition. The emergence of 5G services from mobile network operators like MTN and Airtel presents a significant competitive threat to traditional ISPs.
Industry analysts suggest that ISPs will need to innovate and adopt new business models to sustain and grow their operations. Offering more attractive packages and potentially exploring diversified service offerings could be crucial for increasing their share of the internet market and navigating the evolving digital landscape in Nigeria. The interplay of operational costs, service pricing, and customer demand will continue to influence the competitive dynamics among these providers.
