Nigeria's telecommunications industry surpasses 200 million active subscribers

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The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) recently released its comprehensive report on the telecommunications industry in Nigeria.

Mandated by Section 89 Subsection 3(d) of the Nigerian Communications Act 2003 (NCA 2003), the NCC monitors and reports on various aspects of the sector.

This report provides statistical analyses, identifies industry trends, and sheds light on areas such as services, tariffs, operators, technology, subscribers, competition, and dominance.

One of the aspects highlighted in the report is the subscriber and teledensity trends. Teledensity, defined as the number of active telephone connections per one hundred inhabitants, is an important metric indicating the penetration of telecommunication services within the population.

As of the latest report, Nigeria asserts a total of 206.3 million active telephone subscribers, with a teledensity of 108.92%. These figures depict the fluctuations in subscriber numbers and teledensity percentages over different periods, providing insights into the growth and dynamics of the telecommunications market.

Another aspect covered in the report is the market share analysis, particularly focusing on GSM operators. It delineates the percentage share of subscribers among major GSM operators such as Airtel, 9mobile, Globacom, and MTN.

In the report, MTN leads with 41.12% of the market share, followed by Airtel at 26.78%, Globacom at 26.44%, and 9mobile at 5.66%.

Additionally, the report delves into the market share by generation, indicating the distribution of subscribers across 2G, 3G, 4G, and emerging 5G technologies.

Internet subscriber data and broadband penetration are important indicators of digital connectivity and accessibility. The report provides insights into the number of active internet subscribers across different technologies, including GSM and CDMA.

Nigeria has a total of 151.5 million active internet subscribers, with a broadband penetration rate of 45.93% as shown in the report. It also outlines broadband subscription figures and penetration rates, shedding light on the progress and challenges in expanding internet access and connectivity nationwide.

Discussions on the porting activities of mobile network operators were included, highlighting the number of transactions involving the transfer of mobile numbers between service providers.

The total porting activities stand at 2.67 million. This aspect reflects consumer mobility and choice within the telecommunications market, indicating trends in subscriber preferences and operator competitiveness.

The NCC report provides in-depth resources for industry stakeholders, policymakers, and consumers alike, facilitating informed decision-making, regulatory interventions, and strategic planning to facilitate growth, innovation, and inclusivity within Nigeria’s telecommunications sector.