Nigeria’s mobile Internet subscriptions fell to 158.48 million despite a notable increase in Internet usage to 655,879.86 gigabytes in August 2023.
Data from the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) show that although internet usage climbed by 6.61 percent to 655,879.86 from 615,207.39 in July 2023, 507,621 mobile subscriptions were lost month over month in August.
In the month under review, MTN Nigeria lost 0.063 percent of its mobile Internet subscriptions, bringing the total to 68.03 million. Airtel saw a 0.071 percent loss in subscribers to 42.96 million while Globacom saw a 0.064 percent decline to 43.97 million. 3.51 million clients, an 11.63 percent decrease, for 9mobile.
Experts believe that a number of factors could have contributed to the decline, with the nation’s low internet penetration being on the list.
In addition to poor broadband penetration, the challenging economic climate in the nation may have had a significant impact on the drop in mobile internet penetration in the nation.
Due to the difficult economic condition in the nation, Nigerians have begun prioritizing their requirements and reducing the majority of their expenditures, with the expense of luxury rising along with the rate of inflation.
Broadband penetration decreased to 45.57% in the reviewed month, according to NCC data. Nigeria’s internet penetration has decreased in 2023 despite a national goal to achieve 50% by the end of the year.
Data from the NCC show that in the analyzed month, broadband penetration decreased to 45.57%.
Prof. Umar Danbatta, executive vice-chairman of the NCC, highlighted that improving the quality of service and the quality of experience for telecom users requires the deployment of resilient telecom and broadband infrastructure.
He explained how the technology will increase Internet speed, noting that the NCC is spearheading activities for the full deployment of the Fifth Generation network (5G) across Nigeria.
“Companies have already been issued 5G spectrum licenses for rollout. “It is critical to note that the 5G network will bring significant network improvements, such as higher connection speed, mobility, and capacity, as well as low-latency capabilities to Nigerian communications services,” Danbatta stated.
By 2023, 50% of Nigerians will have access to broadband, according to the country’s National Broadband Plan (2020-2025). The entire macroeconomic dynamics of the country will have to align positively to achieve the goal.
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