Nigeria internet penetration rises 2.6 pct on GSM platform

Nigeria's telecommunication regulator, NCC has said internet subscriptions stood at 94.8 million in November last year, representing 2.6 percent year-on-year growth.

According to the latest data by the regulator, the figure implies a density of 51 percent in a population estimated at 185 million, placing Nigeria well above the African average of around 16 percent as estimated by McKinsey. 

The data showed that in November there were 931,000 new internet subscriptions recorded, compared with 912,000 the previous month. MTN accounted 35 percent of total subscription, representing the largest share of the market.

9mobile, formerly Etisalat recorded decline in subscription for the sixth consecutive month. The report showed that there were slightly over 180,000 subscription losses on this network. 

Sources said there have been adjustments to some data packages within the network.
The mobile network experienced liquidity challenge last year, resulting in the transfer of its ownership to its creditors.

Already, there is a process to sell off the telecoms firm with 16 bidders indicating interest, but only five were shortlisted. 

A recent report suggests that Teleology Holdings may emerge the new owner of 9mobile ahead of Smile Communications.
Internet subscription remains heavily dependent upon mobile network services. According to the regulator, internet subscription via mobile networks accounted for over 95 percent of total subscriptions in November.
According to the NCC, 120,000km of fibre network are required to boost broadband penetration, and only 32 percent has been covered. 

The financial implication of laying fibre network across the country is estimated at 17.4 billion. That is, with a unit price rate of 145 naira/meter.



For Nigeria to become an active member of the current digital transformation within the global village, huge investments in telecommunications infrastructure are required. Broadband penetration is currently 21%.