by Nigeria’s internet landscape is shifting fast. Top providers, including Starlink in Nigeria, are losing thousands of customers as economic realities compel many to reduce their internet spending.
The latest data from the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) shows a sharp decline: the number of active customers across 127 ISPs dropped from 307,946 in Q3 2024 to 289,369 by Q1 2025.
Starlink in Nigeria: From Rapid Growth to Customer Exodus
Just a year ago, Starlink in Nigeria was the rising star. It surged to become the country’s second-largest ISP. But the momentum has stalled. Between Q3 2024 and Q1 2025, Starlink’s customer base dropped from 65,564 to 59,509—a loss of over 6,000 users in just two quarters. Spectranet and FibreOne, other major players, also reported significant subscriber losses.
The biggest culprit is cost. Starlink’s hardware kit now costs upwards of ₦440,000, with monthly subscriptions at ₦57,000—far beyond the reach of many Nigerians. By comparison, local ISPs like MTN, Glo, and Spectranet offer plans for as low as ₦20,000 to ₦30,000 per month.
Also read:
Starlink in Nigeria Fully Resumes Activations, Targets Major Cities
Despite the downturn, there’s a new twist. Starlink in Nigeria has fully resumed new customer activations after a regulatory pause that halted sign-ups in late 2024. The company has expanded its network capacity and is now onboarding new users, particularly in high-demand areas such as Lagos and Abuja.
Starlink’s partners are promising free nationwide delivery of kits, aiming to make access easier for customers in cities such as Port Harcourt, Ibadan, Kano, and more.
Starlink says its renewed push is about more than just numbers. The company aims to bridge Nigeria’s digital divide by providing reliable, satellite-powered internet to both urban centers and underserved rural areas. With over 60,000 users already, Starlink in Nigeria is positioning itself as the go-to option for those who need robust connectivity, especially where traditional broadband is unreliable.
Will Starlink in Nigeria Bounce Back?
The return of new activations could be a game-changer. Experts believe that Starlink’s expanded bandwidth and improved infrastructure will attract businesses, remote workers, and households that are desperate for stable internet. Yet, unless the cost comes down, many Nigerians may still opt for cheaper alternatives.
The ISP market in Nigeria is more competitive than ever. As Starlink in Nigeria expands its reach and resumes activations, it faces the dual challenge of high pricing and a shrinking customer base. The coming months will reveal if its strategy to target high-demand cities and underserved areas can reverse the trend or if Nigerians will continue to cut back on internet spending.
