MTN Dominates As Telecom Sector Records Broadband Expansion

Nigeria’s fixed broadband segment has witnessed a significant expansion over the past year, with fresh industry data showing that the surge is largely driven by a single operator, leaving other players trailing.

According to data from the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), fixed internet subscriptions experienced a dramatic increase, climbing from 14,053 in January 2025 to 124,590 by February 2026, which is a staggering rise of roughly 787 per cent over that period.

However, the growth trajectory reveals a highly concentrated market, with MTN Nigeria accounting for the overwhelming share of new connections. According to the data, MTN’s FibreX fibre-to-the-home offering holds roughly 110,564 subscribers, which accounts for approximately 88.7 percent of the overall fixed broadband market.

Industry analysts note that the operator’s aggressive rollout and network investments have positioned it far ahead of competitors in a segment that has historically struggled to scale in Nigeria.

A closer look at the figures reveals that MTN gained more than 95,000 new customers from April 2025 to February 2026, representing a 639 per cent rise over that timeframe.

By comparison, other internet service providers have seen either minimal growth or falling numbers. SWIFT Networks, a relatively new player, built its customer base to over 25,000 in late 2025, only to experience a steep drop to roughly 13,945 users by February 2026.

Also, established provider 21st Century Technologies suffered a sharp fall in subscriptions from more than 2,200 users in April 2025 to fewer than 100 during the same period which highlights the growing divide in the market.

Telecom experts attribute MTN’s dominance to its extensive infrastructure, deeper capital investment, and early positioning in fibre deployment, which have enabled it to meet the rising demand for high-speed and reliable internet services.

The latest development shows that operators with stronger fibre backbone and capital capacity are better positioned to capture demand,while smaller players are constrained by high rollout costs and limited coverage.

Similarly, the trend highlights both the growing appetite for fixed broadband services in Nigeria and the structural challenges facing the sector, including infrastructure deficits, high right-of-way charges, and operational risks such as fibre cuts and vandalism.

While the rapid growth signals positive momentum for Nigeria’s digital economy, the concentration of market share in one operator could limit competition and slow broader industry development if not addressed.

Meanwhile, industry experts called for policy interventions to create a more level playing field and encourage wider participation in the country’s broadband expansion drive.

(LEADERSHIP)