The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) has issued operating licences to six new Internet Service Providers (ISPs), with approvals taking effect from January 1, 2026.
The move further intensifies competition in Nigeria’s broadband market, which is already facing pressure from dominant mobile network operators and emerging satellite internet providers.
According to the NCC’s updated licensing database, the new approvals have raised the total number of licensed ISPs to 231, up from 225 as of December 2025, despite ongoing concerns around market consolidation and declining subscriber bases for smaller operators.
Licensing Growth Amid Mounting Market Pressures
The latest licences are being issued at a time when many traditional ISPs are struggling to remain competitive against low-cost retail data plans offered by major mobile operators, including MTN, Airtel, Globacom, and 9mobile.
At the same time, satellite broadband services, most notably Starlink, are reshaping internet access in areas poorly served by terrestrial infrastructure, adding another layer of competition for local providers.
Newly Licensed Internet Service Providers
NCC records show that the newly approved ISPs are:
- Intellvision Technologies Limited
- Granet Technologies Limited
- Fibre Sonic Limited
- Dasol Solution Services Ltd
- Boost ISP Limited
- Amazon Kuiper Nigeria Limited
Five of the six companies are based in Lagos, while only one is headquartered outside the main commercial centres, operating from Owerri in Imo State.
ISP Presence Still Concentrated in Urban Hubs
Despite the increase in licensed providers, NCC data continues to show a strong concentration of ISP operations in a limited number of cities, particularly Abuja and Port Harcourt, alongside Lagos.
Industry analysts attribute this trend to high network rollout costs, stronger consumer demand in metropolitan areas, and persistent challenges in extending broadband infrastructure to rural and underserved communities.
As a result, while licensing activity is rising, effective market participation remains uneven, with operational capacity still skewed toward a few regions.
Smaller Providers Raise Concerns Over Competitive Balance
The latest approvals come amid growing concerns from smaller ISPs about the imbalance between large-scale operators and independent providers.
Industry stakeholders argue that without specific regulatory interventions, smaller ISPs may find it increasingly difficult to survive in a market driven by scale, capital intensity, and aggressive pricing.
“You cannot fight the big player; that is the reality. What we are asking for is a way to work harmoniously, where everyone gets a piece of the pie,” said Chidi Ibisi, Executive Director of Business Development at Broadbased Communications Ltd.
Ibisi warned that dominant operators could gradually push smaller ISPs out, not through unfair conduct, but through superior investment power and nationwide network reach.
Broadband Expansion Remains Uneven Nationwide
While the NCC continues to expand the pool of licensed ISPs, experts note that the growth in approvals has yet to translate into equitable broadband access across Nigeria.
The continued clustering of providers in major cities highlights the need for policy incentives, infrastructure-sharing mechanisms, and targeted regulatory support to encourage wider geographic expansion.
As competition from mobile networks and satellite internet providers intensifies, the long-term sustainability of smaller ISPs is expected to remain a central issue in Nigeria’s evolving broadband landscape.
