Mobile Network Penetration Increased to 319.6 Million in Nigeria in October 2022

The recently released data from the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) has revealed an increase in mobile network penetration in Nigeria. According to the October subscriber data by the NCC, the data of connected mobile lines in Nigeria increased to 319.6 million in October. Despite the increase in mobile users, the data revealed that only 214.3 million subscribers are active, while 104.9 million lines are inactive.

Out of the 214.3 million active subscribers, MTN has the highest number of active subscribers. MTN had 83.2 million (38.85% )active users, followed by Globacom, with 59.6 million (27.82%) active users. Of the four mobile networks in Nigeria, 9Mobile came fourth with 12.7 million (5.96%) active users, while Airtel came third with 58.6 million (27.37%) active users.

Inactive mobile network in Nigeria

According to NCC, 104.9 million inactive lines have been inactive for a minimum of 90 days, with zero revenue for telecommunications companies. Although the number is still significant, the data revealed that Nigeria’s mobile network penetration has improved. Compared to the data released in 2021, the number of inactive users reduced by 34.1 million compared to the 139 million recorded in 2021.

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The decline in the number of inactive users can be attributable to the new SIM policy implemented by the NCC. The commission stated that subscribers would lose their lines if inactive for an entire year. It says, “Subscriber numbers that have not generated revenue by originating calls will automatically be recovered after 12 consecutive months.”

Mobile users switching networks in eight months

Apart from the increase in mobile network users, the four major networks in Nigeria also experienced a switch in users. According to NCC, the number of mobile users that switched from one network to another increased to 30%.

According to the data from NCC, 2389 subscribers switched between December 2021 and August 2022. This is more than the 1,828 recorded at the end of 2021. Out of the number, MTN received 1,617 customers, followed by Airtel with 387. 9mobile followed this with 279 users, and Globacom with the least number with 106 users.

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