NCC licenses six new ISPs in Nigeria, raising the total to 231, as broadband competition intensifies with satellite and fixed internet providers
The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) has granted operating licences to six new Internet Service Providers (ISPs), bringing the total number of licensed operators in the country to 231.
The approvals, effective January 1, 2026, aim to expand competition in Nigeria’s broadband sector.
The newly licensed firms include Intellvision Technologies Limited, Granet Technologies Limited, Fiber Sonic Limited, Dasol Solution Services Limited, Boost ISP Limited, and Amazon Kuiper Nigeria Limited.
Five are based in Lagos, while one operates from Owerri, Imo State, reflecting the continued concentration of ISPs in major commercial hubs.
Analysts note that while the Nigerian ISP market is growing, traditional operators face mounting pressure from mobile networks like MTN, Airtel, Globacom, and 9mobile, as well as satellite broadband providers.
Companies such as Starlink and the newly licensed Amazon Kuiper are reshaping consumer expectations with wider coverage and faster connectivity.
Chidi Ibisi of Broadbased Communications Ltd said the competitive landscape favours large, well-capitalised operators, while FibreOne’s Kehinde Joda highlighted the high cost of infrastructure and reliance on traditional business models as ongoing challenges for smaller ISPs.
The NCC also issued seven-year satellite permits to Amazon’s low-Earth orbit network, Israel-backed BeetleSat, and Germany-based Satelio IoT Services.
These new licences, alongside Starlink, are expected to further intensify competition and improve high-speed internet access in underserved areas.
With growing competition and new entrants, analysts predict a reshaped ISP market in Nigeria.
The trend is likely to test regulatory frameworks, challenge existing providers, and expand broadband access nationwide.
