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Active Telecom Subscriptions In Nigeria Reach 200 Million As 5G Usage Expands
Active mobile phone subscriptions in Nigeria have crossed the 200 million mark for the first time since telecom operators carried out massive SIM disconnections, according to new figures from the Nigerian Communications Commission.
Data published by the telecom regulator revealed that active telephone lines grew by roughly 2.9 million to reach 200.33 million in September. This represents an increase from the 197.41 million active subscriptions recorded in August. Consequently, the country's teledensity, which measures connected lines per 100 residents, climbed from 91.07 per cent to 92.41 per cent.
A breakdown of network technology showed that 4G remained dominant, holding 54.37 per cent of total mobile connections during the month. 2G networks followed with 36.42 per cent, while 3G accounted for 4.16 per cent. Meanwhile, 5G technology saw its market share expand slightly from 4.92 per cent in August to 5.05 per cent in September.
The sector also recorded growth in overall internet users, with total subscriptions rising from 158.5 million to 160.9 million. Broadband connections expanded to 128 million from 126.2 million in August, pushing broadband penetration up to 59.05 per cent. However, despite the surge in subscribers, total internet data consumption fell to 1.73 million terabytes in September compared to 1.76 million terabytes the previous month.
Network switching also gathered momentum during the period under review. A total of 1,603 users ported their lines between service providers, up from 1,111 in August. MTN gained the largest share of incoming subscribers with 854 ports, followed by Airtel with 580, Globacom with 165, and Vitel with four. T2 recorded no incoming porting activity.
In terms of economic impact, Vanguard reported that the telecommunications sector boosted its contribution to Nigeria's gross domestic product from 9.19 per cent in the first quarter to 9.72 per cent in the second quarter. Additionally, fixed broadband expansion saw Fibre to the X connections jump to 401,666 in the third quarter from 319,735 in the second quarter.
Sources: Vanguard
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