GSM Technology Dominates Nigerian Internet Market with Over 141 Million Active Subscribers in April 2025

The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) reports that active internet subscribers in Nigeria reached nearly 142 million as of April 2025. Data from various licensed service providers indicate that the GSM technology platform overwhelmingly leads internet connectivity, accounting for approximately 141.5 million of the total subscribers. This dominance highlights GSM’s continued importance in Nigeria’s digital landscape.

Among the different internet delivery platforms—GSM, Fixed Wired, Wired/Wireless, and Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP)—GSM maintains the highest subscriber base by a significant margin. While other technologies combined make up a small fraction of the total, GSM’s subscriber numbers have consistently remained near total internet subscriber counts, emphasizing its extensive reach and reliability.

A month-by-month breakdown over the past year reveals relatively stable internet subscription figures with slight fluctuations. From June 2024 to April 2025, total internet subscribers ranged from about 131 million to 142 million, with GSM subscribers closely mirroring these totals. Wired/Wireless and Fixed Wired technologies maintained steady but modest subscriber numbers, while VoIP technology subscriptions experienced minor variations.

The statistics demonstrate GSM technology’s resilience and steady growth, despite the availability of alternative platforms. Its robust subscriber base reinforces its position as the primary technology driving internet access across Nigeria, supporting widespread connectivity and digital engagement for users nationwide.

This report from the NCC serves as a key indicator for telecom operators and policymakers as they plan future infrastructure investments and strategies to sustain and expand Nigeria’s internet penetration, particularly through GSM networks that continue to dominate the sector.

Source: This Day