Discover the impressive surge in internet connections in Nigeria during Q1 2023, as the country witnessed a significant increase of 2.7 million active subscriptions.
Explore the dominance of mobile networks, the rise in broadband subscriptions, and the potential socio-economic impact.
Dive into Nigeria’s digital transformation and the benefits of expanded internet access for its population.
Nigeria Witnesses Significant Increase in Active Internet Connections in Q1 2023
In the first quarter of 2023, Nigeria experienced a remarkable surge in active internet subscriptions, with a substantial increase of 2.7 million connections.
Increase in Total Internet Connections
By the end of March, the total number of internet connections in Nigeria increased to 157.5 million, up from 154.8 million in December 2022.
This signifies a notable growth in internet usage, highlighting the widespread adoption of digital connectivity among the Nigerian population.
This indicates a substantial growth in internet usage within a short span of time.
Growth Rate
The figures reported by the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) reveal a growth rate of 1.7% during the period of Q1 2023.
This highlights the steady increase in internet usage and reflects the growing demand for digital connectivity among the Nigerian population.
Mobile Networks Maintain Dominance
Despite the presence of various network providers offering internet services in Nigeria, mobile networks continued to dominate as the primary means of accessing the internet.
Leading mobile operators, including MTN, Airtel, Globacom, and 9mobile, collectively accounted for 156.9 million subscriptions.
Additionally, VOIP operators Smile and Ntel contributed to 340,614 internet subscriptions, while other Internet Service Providers (ISPs) contributed 221,267 subscriptions.
These statistics highlight the ongoing expansion of internet connectivity and the influential role played by mobile network operators in facilitating digital access across the country.
Growing Broadband Subscriptions
In addition to the overall increase in internet subscriptions, high-speed internet services, known as broadband, also witnessed a surge.
Increase in Broadband Subscriptions
By the end of Q1 2023, the number of broadband subscriptions in Nigeria rose to 92 million, showing a growth from 90.4 million in December of the previous year.
This signifies the growing adoption of high-speed internet services and reflects the efforts made in expanding broadband infrastructure throughout the country.
Consequently, Nigeria’s broadband penetration level rose to 48.21% by the end of March.
Rise in Broadband Subscriptions
Nigeria experienced a rise in broadband subscriptions during Q1 2023, with the number reaching 92 million compared to 90.4 million in the previous December.
This indicates an upward trend in the adoption of high-speed internet services, reflecting the ongoing efforts to expand and improve the availability of broadband connectivity across the country. Therefore, Nigeria’s rapid expansion of broadband services is expected to address various socio-economic challenges faced by the nation. These challenges include the need to stimulate economic growth, broaden the tax base, and enhance digital literacy and educational standards.
Challenges in Broadband Expansion
During the implementation of the broadband plan, Nigeria experienced a decline in subscriptions at certain points due to government policies on SIM cards.
Between November 2020 and October 2021, service providers lost a total of 9.9 million broadband subscriptions.
This decline was observed after a peak broadband penetration rate of 45.93% in October 2020, which decreased to 39.79% in July 2021.
Progress and Future Prospects
However, prior to the ban on new SIM cards in 2020, Nigeria had been steadily increasing its broadband penetration by 1% each month.
Mobile network operators actively pushed for the deployment of 4G services throughout the country, contributing to the expansion of digital access.
As Nigeria continues to prioritize the development of its digital infrastructure, the country stands to benefit from improved economic growth, increased digital literacy, and enhanced educational standards.
Nigeria’s active internet connections experienced significant growth in the first quarter of 2023, with an increase of 2.7 million subscriptions.
This rise in internet usage reflects the increasing reliance on digital connectivity for daily activities and business operations across the nation.
Furthermore, the expansion of broadband subscriptions demonstrates progress in achieving the goals outlined in the National Broadband Plan.
As Nigeria continues to prioritize the development of its digital infrastructure, the country stands to benefit from improved economic growth, increased digital literacy, and enhanced educational standards.
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