FibreOne vs Spectranet: How ‘Unlimited’ Is Unlimited?

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In Nigeria’s internet market, buzzwords like “unlimited,” “superfast,” and “nationwide coverage” are thrown around like party flyers, however behind the glossy advertising and aggressive Instagram promos, millions of users are asking the same question: “Why is my Zoom still freezing?”

Let’s take a look at some companies in charge of this space; FibreOne and Spectranet, two giants of Nigeria’s ISP sector with radically different philosophies. 

One is building a fixed fibre network from the ground up, the other is surfing the LTE airwaves with mobile routers and data caps. But when we stripped away the marketing tactics and looked at the real numbers, the gap was startling.

By Q1 2025, FibreOne’s subscriber base had plummeted by 42.4%, down from 33,010 to just 19,000, a collapse that says even fibre fans are switching lanes. 

Meanwhile, Spectranet tried to hold its ground with over 103,000 active users, barely flinching with a 2% dip. FibreOne claims to have bounced back to over 60,000 subscribers by June, but the damage to confidence, and public perception, may take longer to repair.

Beyond a product comparison, this is a clash of philosophies. Do you want unthrottled speed in a few neighbourhoods, or portable flexibility that slows down the more you use it? It’s not limited to who’s faster, but who’s failing you less.

Market Footprint and Subscriber Strength

Let’s start with reach, because where you live still determines the kind of internet you get.

FibreOne, Nigeria’s largest fibre-to-the-home (FTTH) provider, operates in just 12 Points of Presence (POP)—mainly in high-density zones of Lagos, Abuja, Port Harcourt, and Ilorin. 

As of Q1 2025, its NCC-reported subscriber base dropped by 42.4%, from 33,010 to 19,000, largely due to economic challenges and high competition from mobile broadband. 

However, internal sources reveal a strong rebound, pushing active subscribers back up to 60,000+ by the end of June 2025.

By contrast, Spectranet tops the wireless broadband market, operating in 641 POPs and maintaining a subscriber base of 103,252, the largest among ISPs in Nigeria. 

Its model thrives on mobility and 4G LTE flexibility, although it also reports a minor 2.08% dip in active users from the previous quarter. While FibreOne fights for the top spot in fibre-rich urban pockets, Spectranet wins on footprint and presence.

Technology and Infrastructure

FibreOne runs exclusively on optical fibre, delivering high-capacity FTTH connectivity. This enables users to enjoy unthrottled, low-latency internet, a major edge for gamers, streamers, remote workers, and SMEs. It is not mobile, but it’s powerful where available.

Spectranet takes a different approach. Its 4G LTE service offers plug-and-play internet via MiFi, routers, car Wi-Fi, and outdoor modems. While speed depends on network congestion and signal strength, the ease of setup and wide range of devices make it ideal for people who are always on the move—or outside fibre coverage zones.

Bottom line?

• FibreOne offers speed and stability.
• Spectranet delivers flexibility and convenience.
  Your needs define your winner here.

Speed, Performance and Data Integrity

On pure performance, FibreOne takes the lead. Users frequently commend its consistent speeds, especially for data-intensive tasks. Its infrastructure supports up to 500 Mbps, truly unlimited with zero data caps or throttling.

Spectranet, though versatile, enforces a Fair Usage Policy (FUP). Speeds are reduced after data thresholds, typically 125GB, with post-FUP speeds dropping to 512kbps. This can be frustrating for users who consume large volumes of data.

Still, Spectranet performs respectably in urban areas, particularly where fibre has not yet reached. However, speed is dependent on environmental factors: weather, congestion, and signal strength.

Pricing and Affordability

Let’s talk naira and kobo.

• FibreOne plans start from ₦13,807/month for 25 Mbps. These are truly unlimited, no throttling or surprises. It’s best for homes or offices with multiple heavy users.
• Spectranet’s plans begin around ₦18,999/month, but include data caps. Once you hit the FUP limit, your browsing speed slows significantly. However, its flexible device options, MiFis, routers, car Wi-Fi, offer portability.

For users who want predictability and value, FibreOne’s pricing wins. For those who need on-the-go access, Spectranet’s hardware options justify the price.

Customer Service and User Experience

Neither brand is perfect here.

FibreOne earns applaud for its installation professionalism and consistent speeds. However, many users complain about slow customer support, installation delays, and infrastructure-related outages. Accusations of unfulfilled promises have dented its integrity in certain circles.

Spectranet, on the other hand, gets high marks for device support, service availability, and customer experience within LTE zones. Yet, it also faces complaint, mostly for its speed throttling and lack of transparency around FUP limits.

FibreOne ranked #1 in customer satisfaction in the 2024 NCSI survey, while Spectranet swept awards for “Most Reliable ISP” and “User-Friendly Brand” at NiTA 2024. In essence, users trust FibreOne’s speed, but expect better service. Spectranet users expect average speed, but trust the experience.

Value-Added Services and Differentiators

Spectranet’s strength is variety:

• MiFi devices for mobile users
• CarFi for internet on the go
• Home routers and VoLTE combos
• Parental controls, URL filters, and app-based monitoring

FibreOne’s value lies in infrastructure:

• Unlimited fibre plans (25–500 Mbps)
• Custom SME and enterprise packages with SLAs
• On-site installation, premium support
• Future-ready for 4K streaming, low-latency gaming, and remote work

If you value hardware-based mobility, Spectranet gives you the tools. If you value performance and depth, FibreOne is the infrastructure play.

Reputation, Recognition, and Resilience

FibreOne was recognised by the NCC in Q4 2023 as Nigeria’s top FTTH provider, featured at GITEX Africa 2025, and commended for supporting the 3MTT initiative. However, its Q1 2025 subscriber decline led to questions about long-term sustainability in the face of mobile broadband competition.

Spectranet, meanwhile, wears its awards like armour. From ISP of the Year (2025) to Broadband Leader and Most Reliable ISP, its reputation is market-tested and customer-backed. It has scaled by being agile, reliable, and affordable for a wider audience.

Summary: Side-by-Side Comparison

So… FibreOne or Spectranet?

If you need unlimited, stable, high-speed internet for work, business, or entertainment, and you live in one of the covered zones, FibreOne is the clear winner. It’s fast, cost-effective, and future-ready.

But if you need flexible, portable internet access with a variety of device options and broader national reach, Spectranet remains a reliable alternative, just watch your data consumption.

In the end, both providers are fighting different battles in the same war: FibreOne is building the roads, Spectranet is selling the cars. Your choice depends on what kind of journey you’re on.

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