NCC licenses six new ISPs to shake up Nigeria’s internet market
The internet space in Nigeria is about to get even more interesting. The Nigerian Communications Commission just added six new names to the list of Internet Service Providers allowed to operate in the country.
This move, which started officially on the first day of 2026, is a clear signal that the regulator wants to push for more options for Nigerians. But let us be honest, with the way the big boys like MTN and Airtel are dropping data prices and with Starlink taking over the satellite space, these new players have a lot of work to do.
It is one thing to get a license and another thing entirely to survive the “wahala” of the Nigerian telecom market where only the strongest survive.
NCC grants fresh licenses as internet competition enters another level
The latest update from the NCC database shows that we now have a total of 231 licensed ISPs in Nigeria, up from 225 at the end of last year. The six new companies joining the fray include Intellvision Technologies Limited, Granet Technologies Limited, Fiber Sonic Limited, Dasol Solution Services Ltd, and Boost ISP Limited. But the name that is really making people talk is Amazon Kuiper Nigeria Limited.
If you have been following the tech world, you know that Amazon Kuiper is the answer to Elon Musk’s Starlink. Five of these companies are setting up their base in Lagos, while one of them, Granet Technologies, decided to go to Owerri in Imo State to serve the eastern market.
The big battle between local fiber providers and satellite giants
For a long time, we thought the competition was just between the small local ISPs and the major Mobile Network Operators like Globacom and 9mobile. However, the game has changed completely. Starlink came into the market in 2023 and quickly became a force to reckon with, snatching customers from many local providers. Now that Amazon Kuiper has its license, we are expecting a satellite war that could reach the most remote villages in the country.
While traditional fiber providers are busy digging trenches and laying cables, these satellite giants are simply beaming high speed internet from space. It is no be small thing for local providers who have to deal with high infrastructure costs and the headache of maintaining physical networks in a difficult environment.
Why small ISPs are struggling to keep their heads above water
Even though the number of licenses is increasing, the reality on the ground is quite sober. Out of hundreds of licensed providers, only a few are actually active and making a profit. Industry leaders have pointed out that the scale and investment power of the dominant players make it hard for smaller ones to compete. It is not just about having a license: it is about having the heavy pockets to survive the aggressive pricing and the high cost of doing business.
Many smaller ISPs are still using traditional business models, selling plain internet without any extra value. Without serious innovation and better customer management, it is very easy to get crowded out of the urban centers where everyone is fighting for the same few customers.
What this means for your data prices and connection quality
At the end of the day, the Nigerian consumer is the one who stands to gain. With more players coming in, especially big names like Amazon Kuiper, we expect to see better service quality and maybe more flexible data plans.
The fact that companies like Spectranet, Starlink, and FibreOne already control about 65 percent of the market means that the new guys must come with something special to win your heart. Whether you are a gamer in Lagos or a small business owner in Owerri, this increased competition is good news.
It keeps the big players on their toes and ensures that nobody can afford to give poor service and still expect to stay at the top. We are watching closely to see who will truly deliver on the promise of fast and affordable internet for all.
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