Elon Musk’s satellite internet constellation operated by SpaceX, Starlink has reportedly surpassed other Nigerian internet service providers (ISPs), in the first quarter (Q1) of 2023.
A recent report by Ookla, a web service that provides free analysis of Internet access performance metrics, disclosed that in Q1 of 2023, Starlink showed promising initial results in Nigeria, and other countries where it operates. New speed test data revealed Starlink users were impressed with the service.
In this report, Ookla relied on Starlink’s net promoter score (NPS) and some fixed broadband providers like Viasat and HughesNet from user feedback in both metropolitan and nonmetropolitan areas. The research covered customers in North America, South America, the Caribbean, Nigeria, and The Philippines.
Speedtest intelligence data revealed new Starlink data in three countries during Q1 of 2023, including Nigeria, Peru, and the Philippines, where Starlink is still a nascent provider with a limited market share.
In Nigeria, in the first quarter of 2023, Starlink recorded a download speed of 61.75 Mbps and an upload speed of 11.17 Mbps, and a Latency of 57ms. Meanwhile, all internet service providers combined in Nigeria recorded a download speed of 13.48 Mbps, upload speed of 10.70 Mbps, and Latency of 45 Ms.
Starlink however had slower upload speeds than all fixed broadband providers combined in all of the new countries except Nigeria. Notably, the satellite internet service provider, provided a much-loved option for rural users who often don’t have many good internet options.
In the area of wider coverage, Starlink has provided fast internet connections to rural and underserved areas, which has remained a milestone yet to be achieved by telecom providers in Nigeria. Generally, users are so far impressed with the Starlink internet service.
Recall that when Starlink launched in Nigeria with the price of US$43/ (month) for service and US$600 for hardware, several citizens expressed concerns about how exorbitant the price was. Meanwhile, looking at its remarkable performance in the first quarter of 2023, compared to other internet service providers, many Nigerians may be willing to purchase it, considering the service it is positioned to offer.
The arrival of Starlink in Nigeria has seen many internet service providers tighten their belts in preparation for competition with the satellite service, Investors King understands.
Starlinks’ presence in Nigeria according to experts will help in the struggle to make the plans to achieve the broadband plan of 2025 a reality.
