Starlink, Elon Musk’s satellite Internet company, has made significant strides in the Nigerian Internet Service Provider (ISP) market eight months after its launch in January 2023.
Despite initial scepticism surrounding the affordability and accessibility of Starlink's services, the company quickly gained traction across Nigeria.
As of the end of June 2023, per the Nigerian Communications Commission’s data, Starlink Nigeria had amassed a customer base of 6,756. By September, it had grown by 66%, solidifying its position as a competitive player with 11,207 active subscribers, and placing 4th in the market, after Spectranet (113,747), Tizeti Network (19,126), and ipNX Nigeria (14,871)
This number is expected to grow in subsequent reports because the company took steps to improve affordability and accessibility to its prospective customers. In October 2023, Starlink Nigeria implemented a 21% discount on its starter kit from $378 (₦378,000) to $299 (₦299,500), making Starlink's offerings more affordable to a broader segment of the Nigerian population.
Also, the satellite Internet company partnered with E-commerce giant, Jumia to facilitate doorstep delivery, ensuring seamless access to high-speed Internet for users in even the most remote locations.
By leveraging innovative technology and a customer-centric approach, Starlink has positioned itself as a formidable player in the Nigerian market, challenging established ISPs and driving advancements in broadband access nationwide.