Nigeria’s mobile data subscriptions has grown by 13.6 per cent in the first half of 2015, statistics by the Nigerian Communication Commission (NCC) has revealed.
Telecoms networks collectively boosted mobile Internet subscriptions on their networks from 81.8 million in January to 92.6 million at the end of June this year.
The increase, according to analysis, represents an impressive growth of 13.6 per cent far above what was recorded in the first half of last year, when mobile Internet subscriptions increased marginally from 64 million in January to 67.1 million at the end of June, representing a growth of 4.8 per cent.
Etisalat with about 22 million subscribers on its network, recorded the highest number of additional mobile Internet subscriptions during the period. Mobile data subscriptions increased from 10 million in January to 15.2 million representing an increase of 5.2 million (52 per cent) new data users during the period.
Airtel came second by increasing its mobile Internet users from 14.9m to 17.5 million (17.4 per cent growth). Globacom came third in terms of the number of additional mobile Internet users recorded during the period, as the indigenous telecoms firm increased its figure from 17.6m to 19.3m, indicating an additional 2.2 million users and 12.5 per cent growth. MTN recorded the lowest number of additional mobile Internet users on its network, as its subscriber base increased from 39.1 million to 40.4 million, representing additional 1.3 million users (3.3 per cent).
However, in terms of monthly share, MTN continues to be the leading player. For instance, analysis of the official data in June showed that of the 92.6 million mobile Internet users on all the mobile networks, MTN controls 40.4 million, Globacom, 19.3 million, followed by Airtel with 17.5 million, while Etisalat has 15.2 million on its network. It was gathered that increase in the uptake of smartphones and other low-cost phones that can be used to access the Internet have continued to drive mobile Internet penetration in the country.
