Starlink becomes third largest internet provider in Nigeria by users
TLDR
- Starlink, led by Elon Musk, rapidly rises to become Nigeria's third-largest internet service provider with 23,897 active customers, marking a 113% increase from the previous quarter.
- Despite initial success, Starlink is encountering challenges expanding across Africa, facing interruptions in Zimbabwe and difficulties in South Africa, Botswana, and Ghana.
- The company's growth underscores the demand for reliable internet services in Africa but highlights the complexities of navigating regulatory and operational hurdles on the continent.
Starlink, led by Elon Musk, has become the third-largest internet service provider by subscriber count in Nigeria within less than a year since its launch in January 2023.
That's per data from the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), which showed that by the end of 2023, Starlink had amassed 23,897 active subscribed customers - a significant 113% increase from the previous quarter's 11,207 customers.
However, despite its success in certain markets, Starlink faces challenges in expanding its presence across Africa. Just a month ago, the Zimbabwean government ordered the company to halt its services. Starlink has also experienced difficulties in South Africa, Botswana, and Ghana.
Key Takeaways
Despite its higher costs relative to local ISPs, Starlink, which entered the Nigerian market in January 2023, has generated significant interest among Nigerians seeking to switch their service providers. The widespread availability of its satellite service is particularly appealing to individuals in regions with limited internet connectivity. In just one year, Starlink has attracted a substantial customer base, surpassing the customer counts of many local ISPs that have operated in Nigeria for several years. Recognizing the potential for further expansion, Starlink recently announced a 45% reduction in the price of its router in Nigeria. This strategic move aims to capture more customers in the Nigerian market and solidify Starlink's position as a leading internet service provider in the country.
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