Over the years, studies have shown that the licence renewal rate of Internet Service Providers (ISPs) in Nigeria continues to drop, even as others take up the licence.
These ISPs are struggling to stay afloat due to competitions from the Mobile Network Operators (MNOs) like MTN, Airtel, Globacom and 9mobile. The challenges confronting their market limit their expansion plans, among other impacts.
However, if you’re in the market to select a new internet service provider, whether you’re moving, not happy with your current service, or just curious about your options, we can help.
Our rating of the Top 10 Internet Service Providers (ISPs) 2024 includes companies offering different types of internet – fiber, cable, digital subscriber line (DSL), satellite, fixed wireless, and 4G home internet services – across or selected cities in Nigeria.
We based on our ratings on the number of active subscribers each of the ISPs could maintain.
You should understand some factors customers select a particular ISP:
People use ISPs that offer reliable and high-speed internet connections, meeting the growing demand for seamless online experiences.
Additionally, these ISPs often provide bundled services, making it convenient for users to access multiple services through a single provider.
ISPs also invest in network infrastructure, ensuring connectivity in both urban and rural areas.
Competitive pricing and various data plans cater to diverse consumer needs, attracting a broad customer base.
Lastly, the reputation and established presence of ISPs across cities in Nigeria contribute to consumer trust, encouraging people to choose these providers for their internet and communication needs.
Top 10 Internet Service Providers (ISPs) in Nigeria by active subscribers, based on data released by the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC)
10. Cobranet Ltd (Active Subscribers: 3,401)
Cobranet Limited is one of the long lasting Internet Service and data providers in Nigeria. Since its launch in 2003, Cobranet provides internet service and data management solution to the digital universe. The company has been consistent as one of the top 20 Internet Service Providers in the country.
As an ISP, Cobranet offers corporate internet plans for organizations and medium sized businesses over a state- of- the -art -radio network in Lagos, Abuja and Port Harcourt as well as residential plans on a network topology which is rugged, dynamic and fully redundant with negligible downtimes.
Cobranet’s promise is to continue to provide innovative and world class solutions at the best feature-to price and service –to –price ratio to ensure that customers achieve their targets while enjoying the peace of mind of being Cobranet subscribers. The active subscribers grew from 3268 in 2022 to 3401 as at third quarter 2023.
9. Suburban Broadband (Active subscribers: 3,627)
Suburban Fiber Company Limited entered the Nigerian telecommunications market providing intelligence, statistical analysis, consultation, networks.
The company started providing mobile phone companies with intercity and international transmission facilities, which established Suburban as an industry leader in this segment with 60% market share from 2003-06.
In less than 5 years the industry evolved to industry innovation leadership in advanced fiber technology, multimedia content distribution, and cloud platform services – a position it has been able to sustain over the last 20 years, among other achievements.
As at Q3 2023, Suburban Fiber Company Limited has 3627 active subscribers, according to NCC statistics.
8. Radical Technology (Active Subscribers: 3,647)
Radical Technology Network Ltd, now Coollink.ng, is one of the top internet service providers in Nigerian. Over the years, the ISP has ensured the highest levels of customer responsiveness and service quality, a trait which has earned it long-standing relationships with the subscribers and made Coollink.ng one of the most reliable ISPs in Nigeria.
The service offerings include solutions to provide customers with value-added services and support, enabling them to focus on their business instead of their network and internet connection.
In 2009 Coollink.ng was the 1st African ISP to sign up with the Ka-band satellite operator Yahsat being the first to believe in the Ka-band technology on the continent.
In 2016 Coollink.ng has been contracted by Facebook to deploy the ExpressWifi solution in Nigeria, being the 1st West African company selected by Facebook for ExpressWifi.
In 2017, the ISP was appointed Strategic Partner for the whole of West Africa by NSSLGlobal one of the World’s biggest and best satellite communications service provider.
It also signed a partnership agreement with Konnect-Africa, set up by Eutelsat in 2015, to expend the Ka-band services across the continent.
The ISP has 3647 active subscribers.
7. NgCom Limited (Active Subscribers: 3,946)
NgCom Networks Limited “NgCom Ltd” is one of the internet service providers licensed by the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC). With one of its unlimited internet plans, you can stream, browse and download to your heart’s content.
NgCom with 3946 active subscribers is the seventh ISP we reviewed.
6. Cyberspace Network (Active Subscribers 4,130)
Cyberspace is one of the leading ISPs in Nigeria. In 2014, it deployed 4G LTE network infrastructure to bring to the customers an undeniable feel of 10x more Speed, Mobility, Security, Throughput, and Reduced Latency from anything the world had ever seen before then.
Cyberspace prides its superfast 4G LTE internet service as always been affordable, high quality and reliable.
They have a variety of packages to choose from and whether you need single- or multi-user access, all of its devices are simple to use.
From NCC’s statistics, Cyberspace 4G LTE has 4130 active subscribers.
5. VDT Communications (Active Subscribers: 6,611)
VDT Communications is a licensed Private Network service provider specializing in the provision of Enterprise Wide Area Network (WAN) and Metropolitan Area Network (MAN) link connectivity using Fiber Optic and Wireless Communication infrastructure and access networks.
As one of the top 20 Internet Service Providers VDT providers corporate organizations with leased Fiber Optic trunks to the thirty-six (36) states in Nigeria and the FCT, where they have over 58 Point-Of-Presence (POP) and complement of technical support staffers.
It has also launched broadband service for the mass market. VDT’s total connected subscribers increased to 9,424 in 2020 from 2,404 in 2021. The total active subscribers also increased from 1,731 to 6,611.
4. Starlink Internet (Active Subscribers: 11,207)
Starlink is a satellite internet constellation operated by private aerospace company SpaceX, providing coverage to over 71 countries. SpaceX started launching Starlink satellites in 2019.
Starlink Internet Service Nigeria Ltd., started operations in January 2023.
The company which also aims for global mobile phone service now has 11,207 within a space of one year.
3. ipNX (Active Subscribers: 14,871)
ipNX is one of the innovative top 20 Internet Service Providers (ISPs) in Nigeria. In 2021, the company launched FOS Xtreme1000, a new broadband service offering 1 Gigabit Per Second (1Gbps) speed to residential users, becoming the first player in the Nigerian market to offer such high speeds.
ipNX as one of Nigeria’s fastest growing Internet service providers serves a multitude of needs across enterprises, small businesses and residents with innovative, world-class services.
Its ability to identify, satisfy and exceed today’s market needs is a testament to over a decade of experience, commitment, drive and passion realized through highly skilled and well-seasoned professionals.
As a pioneer and a leading Fibre-To-The-Home (FTTH) operator in Nigeria, IPNX currently accounts for 14,871 active subscribers up from 11,107 it reported in 2022.
2. Tizeti (Active Subscribers: 19,126)
Tizeti is one of the Internet Service Providers (ISPs) disrupting the telecommunications service provisioning in Nigeria. Tizeti came on stream at the time many ISPs couldn’t find the grounds to compete.
The company is leveraging the large wireless capacity available with Wi-fi and plummeting cost of solar panels to create a low CAPEX/OPEX network of owned & operated towers to offer disruptive, customer-friendly pricing for unlimited internet service right across Africa.
Tizeti provides high speed broadband internet to Residences, businesses, Events, Conferences and deploys public Wi-fi Hotspot at locations across Africa.
According to NCC statistics, Tizeti has 19126 active subscribers as at Q3 2023.
1. Spectranet Limited (Active Subscribers: 113,747)
Spectranet leads the top 10 Internet Service Providers (ISPs) in Nigeria with most active subscribers. The company was awarded a license by the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) in 2009 to promote Internet services across the country.
Spectranet was among the first Internet Service Providers to launch 4G LTE internet service in Nigeria and aims to be a leader in the Internet Services space.
Spectranet accounts for 249,179 out of the total 351,817 connected subscribers on ISPSs networks. This shows Spectranet added 3,340 connected subscribers in one year when compared to 245,839 it recorded in 2020.
However, the ISP’s active subscribers reduced from 119,612 in 2022 to 113,747 as at Q3 2023.
Interesting take, thanks for sharing