Elon Musk-owned satellite internet service Starlink, has reached a significant milestone in Nigeria, by becoming the third largest internet provider, in the fourth quarter (Q4) of 2024.
This was revealed in a report by the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), highlighting Starlink notable influence and adoption in Nigeria.
According to data, Starlink active customers in Nigeria increased to 23,897 in Q4 of 2024, from 11,207 in Q3 of 2023, to become one of the leading ISPs in the country. The Q4 figure represented a 113% increase in customers quarter on quarter.
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Starlink has gained significant traction in Nigeria due to its ability to provide high-speed internet access in remote and underserved regions, where local internet service providers often struggle to reach. By leveraging a constellation of low Earth Orbit (LEO) satellites, Starlink offers a reliable and efficient internet solution, addressing the digital divide in Nigeria.
Recall that in 2021, it was reported that Starlink, saw Nigeria as a critical market and immediately entered into talks with the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) to secure the licences needed to launch. One year later, Elon Musk announced that Starlink had been approved for deployment in Nigeria to provide high-speed, low-latency broadband internet, with a monthly subscription of USD 110 and USD 599 for the complete Starlink kit.
With the launch of Starlink in Nigeria, Some Nigerians expressed concerns that the high cost of acquiring Starlink’s hardware was too high.
Meanwhile, one month ago Elon Musk’s Starlink slashed its internet price by 45% in Nigeria. The internet router which was being sold for N800,000 as of April 9, 2024, now costs N440,000, according to a new price update released by the company on its website. However, the monthly subscription for the internet service remains unchanged at N38,000 per month.
While the company did not state any reason for the price slash, the recent appreciation of the naira against the US dollar and other foreign currencies may have influenced Starlink’s decision.
Despite Starlink price still on the high side compared with local ISPs, the internet service has sparked high adoption interest among Nigerians who are eager to change their service providers.
The rapid adoption of Starlink in Nigeria can be attributed to its innovative technology, competitive pricing, and the increasing demand for robust internet connectivity across the country. As more individuals and businesses in Nigeria seek to stay connected in an increasingly digital world, Starlink’s entry and expansion in the market have provided a much-needed boost to the nation’s internet infrastructure.
This development highlights the transformative potential of satellite internet services in enhancing digital inclusion and fostering economic growth in emerging markets.
Industry experts disclosed that the launch of Starlink in Nigeria could mean a lot for the country in the area of broadband penetration, Job creation, increased investment and revenue generation.