MTN & Airtel Losing Customers Fast; Is Starlink to Blame?

In January 2025, over 8,000 Nigerian telecom subscribers ditched their providers for better options, according to the NCC. That’s a 190% spike in mobile number portability from December, signaling growing frustration with poor service and unstable pricing. But this isn’t just about 9mobile losing 6,716 users or MTN gaining 5,551—it’s a full-blown telecom war. And this time, it’s not just MTN, Airtel, and Glo battling it out. Enter Starlink, Elon Musk’s satellite-powered disruptor, bringing controvesy and a shake up the industry won’t ignore. Plus, maybe a little drama along the way.

Musk’s Chaos Theory: From Poland to Nigeria

Now, let’s zoom out for a second. Starlink isn’t just causing ripples in Nigeria; it’s causing earthquakes worldwide. Recently, Musk’s refusal to extend Starlink coverage for Ukraine’s military sparked outrage in Poland. And when asked about launching in South Africa, his blunt response—blaming it on his race—was classic Musk: unfiltered and unapologetic. This is the same man bringing satellite internet to Nigeria, a country where regulatory red tape is practically a national sport.

And yet, Starlink is booming here. It overtook FiberOne in Q4 2024 to become Nigeria’s second-largest ISP, despite its premium pricing. From 23,897 subscribers in 2023 to a staggering 65,564 by the end of 2024, it’s clear that Nigerians are willing to pay for internet that actually works.

Why Nigerians Are Choosing Starlink Over Traditional ISPs

It’s no secret that Nigerians have been battling subpar internet for years—slow speeds, unreliable connections, and “unlimited” data plans that somehow run out before the month ends. Mobile networks like MTN and Airtel still dominate overall market share, but their internet service leaves much to be desired. With Starlink, promising speeds of up to 250 Mbps, untethered by terrestrial infrastructure issues.

Unlike Spectranet, which still leads with 105,441 subscribers but is bleeding users due to fiber’s limitations, Starlink’s satellite-based model means it can serve both city dwellers and rural communities with zero dependence on cables, towers, or expensive right-of-way fees. This makes it a game-changer, especially in a country where many ISPs struggle to expand beyond major cities.

The Pricing Controversy: Will Starlink Remain a Luxury?

Of course, there’s a catch. Starlink isn’t cheap. Its standard residential package jumped from ₦38,000 to ₦75,000 per month, a steep increase that was initially blocked by the NCC before being approved in February 2025. However, while MTN, Airtel, and Smile Communications wasted no time raising their own prices, Starlink hit the pause button, delaying the hike indefinitely.

Why? Likely a mix of strategic delay and sheer market pressure. Despite its rapid growth, Starlink still faces capacity constraints—especially in high-demand areas like Lagos and Abuja. In fact, since October 2024, new customers haven’t been able to buy kits directly from Starlink. Instead, they’re forced to rely on third-party resellers, who have taken full advantage of the situation, driving up costs even further.

The official price of a Starlink kit is ₦590,000 ($375), but in reseller markets, prices have soared to ₦650,000 ($413), with installation fees ranging from ₦30,000 to ₦50,000. That means getting online with Starlink now costs over ₦700,000 upfront—a price tag that ensures it remains out of reach for most Nigerians.

The Future: A Broadband Revolution or a Regulatory Showdown?

At its core, Starlink’s rise is a wake-up call for Nigeria’s telecom industry. The surge in customer dissatisfaction, the mass exodus from failing networks, and the growing demand for premium internet services all point to one thing: Nigerians want better, and they’re willing to pay for it.

But can Starlink truly disrupt the market, or will it remain a niche luxury for the elite?

• If NCC tightens regulations, we might see Starlink forced into more competitive pricing; a win for consumers but a challenge for its profitability.
• If MTN, Airtel, and others step up their game, they could fight back with improved services and pricing models, potentially reclaiming lost customers.
• And if Musk’s global antics backfire, regulatory bodies might not take kindly to Starlink’s aggressive expansion, leading to possible restrictions or new compliance hurdles.

For now, Starlink is both a beacon of hope and a symbol of Nigeria’s digital divide, a product that proves better internet is possible, but only if you can afford it.

And as for the rest of the telecom industry? If the 8,708 subscribers who switched networks in January are any indication, the battle for Nigeria’s internet future has only just begun. Stay ahead of the curve; check out more articles and follow @InsideSuccessNigeria for more insights on tech, jobs, careers, and more!