The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) has granted 38 new firms license to operate as Internet Service providers in the country.
The telecom operators were permitted to operate between January and October in order to enhance the reduced numbers of telecom operators in the market.
The Director, Licensing and Authorisation, NCC, Mohammed Babajika, stated that the increased number of service providers is deliberate and is aimed at achieving last-mile broadband connectivity. He further added that the country currently has a large bandwidth capacity, which is yet to be translated into increased broadband penetration due to the last-mile challenge.
Babajika, however, said with the increased number of licensed ISPs, the service will get more closer to the people.
In addition to the number of licensed service providers in the country, the total number of Internet service providers has increased to 187.
However, it is noteworthy that not all of the ISPs are effectively providing services as some have been forced out of the market due to stiff competition
According to a data released by the telecommunications regulator, In 2018, twenty-three firms were licensed, in 2019, thirty-nine firms were licensed and 54 firms were licensed in 2020.
By 2025, the number of ISPs is expected to rise by 70%.
The data expressed further that the ISPs are more concentrated in Abuja, Lagos and Port Harcourt.
