An Internet service provider (ISP) is an organisation that provides services for accessing, using, or participating in the Internet. Internet service providers can be organised in various forms, such as commercial, community-owned, non-profit, or otherwise privately owned.
Internet services typically provided by ISPs can include Internet access, Internet transit, domain name registration, web hosting, Usenet service, and colocation.
An ISP typically serves as the access point or the gateway that provides a user, access to everything available on the Internet.
TechEconomy.ng observed the top 10 ISPs with regards to the number of subscribers per each individual internet service provider from the latest reporting of NCC:
1. Spectranet
Spectranet was awarded a License from the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) in 2009 to promote Internet services across Nigeria Spectranet was the first Internet Service Provider to launch 4G LTE internet service in Nigeria and aims to be a leader in the Internet Services space.
Spectranet accounts for 245,839 out of the total 293,787 connected subscribers on ISPSs networks. ISP has 135,725; active subscribers and 632 points of presence.
2. e.Stream Networks
e.Stream Networks provides bespoke fast connectivity solutions, services and IT support to individuals and businesses in Nigeria.
By utilizing on-the-ground support, we provides system integration and maintenance, high-speed Internet services, Pan-African data networks, Cloud and Hosting Solution, wireless broadband and international VPNs.
e.Stream Networks provides high speed broadband internet to Residences, businesses, Events, Conferences and deploys public Wi-fi Hotspot at locations across Nigeria
3. IPNX
ipNX is one of Nigeria’s fastest growing Information and Communications Technology companies, serving a multitude of needs across enterprises, small businesses and residents with innovative, world-class services.
Its ability to identify, satisfy and exceed today’s market needs is a testament to over a decade of experience, commitment, drive and passion realized through highly skilled and well-seasoned professionals.
As a pioneer and a leading Fibre-To-The-Home (FTTH) operator in Nigeria, IPNX currently accounts for 12,164 connected subscribers; 7,567 active subscribers with 53 points of presence.
4. Cobranet Limited
Cobranet Limited is rated as a leading Internet Service and data provider. Since its launch in 2003, Cobranet provides every segment of the Nigerian society with a reliable and secure Internet Service and Data management solution to the digital universe.
Cobranet currently offers corporate internet plans for organizations and medium sized businesses over a state- of- the -art -radio network in Lagos, Abuja and Port Harcourt as well as residential plans on a network topology which is rugged, dynamic and fully redundant with negligible downtimes.
With 3,319 connected subscribers, Cobranet Limited has 100% active subscriber base with 85 points of presence.
5. VDT Communications
VDT is a licensed Private Network service provider specializing in the provision of Enterprise Wide Area Network (WAN) and Metropolitan Area Network (MAN) link connectivity using Fiber Optic and Wireless Communication infrastructure and access networks.
VDT is Broadband communication service provider to corporate organizations with leased Fiber Optic trunks to the thirty-six (36) states in Nigeria and the FCT, where they have 58 Point-Of-Presence (POP) and complement of technical support staffers. It has also launched broadband service for the mass market. VDT has 2,404 total connected subscribers with 1,731 active users.
6. Vodacom
Vodacom Business (Africa) Nigeria, a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Vodacom Group, is a pan-African corporate connectivity and telecommunications provider. They provide services to the continent’s largest businesses in sectors including oil and gas, retail, banking, mining, distribution, and tourism; helping them stay connected across Africa, and to the rest of the world.
By utilizing on-the-ground support, Vodacom provides system integration and maintenance, high-speed Internet services, Pan-African data networks, Cloud and Hosting Solution, wireless broadband and international VPNs, Enterprise Voice and Internet of Things (IoT).
According to NCC’s data, total number of subscribers on Vodacom’s network (Nigeria) are 1,461 with 1,424 of them active and it has 6 points of presence.
7. Hyperia
Hyperia achieved its license in Nigeria since 1997. Hyperia, member of CIS & Chagoury group of companies is one of the oldest names in the African Internet space.
As Nigeria’s first Internet Backbone service provider, Hyperia is dedicated to providing low cost and easy access to the Internet, using the very latest in Internet technology.
8. MainOne
MainOne (formerly Main One Cable) continues to invest significantly in bringing the benefits of digital transformation across West Africa. With the influx of private capital coupled with a huge working population, the continent is increasingly empowered to drive growth and development.
MainOne’s SME-in-a-Box Connect is a converged internet and voice solution tailored specifically to meet the needs of small and medium enterprises in Nigeria. Our complete suite of telecoms services offer more value reliably and affordable, enabling you to achieve optimal business results while remaining competitive.
The service is a simple to use, plug and play system that gives user direct and secure fibre connectivity from their office to the rest of the world.
9. ICSL
Information Connectivity Solutions Limited (ICSL) is a provider of premium broadband network infrastructure and connectivity solutions. ICSL acquired the non-Oil & Gas Telecommunications Business from Omnes Communications Nigeria Limited following its divestiture by Schlumberger Information Solutions.
ICSL’s core competence is in the provision of stable and highly available wireless area network (WAN) solutions.
The company combines VSAT, microwave and fiber to deliver a solution that is tailored to meet customer’s needs, rather than deliver a “straight-jacket” solution that may become a “round peg in a square hole”.
The total number of connected users on ICSL network is 575 and the active users are 410 while the Points of Presence are 30.
10. Excelsimo Networks
Excelsimo Networks Limited is a Nigerian telecom company, licensed to provide Internet Services by the Nigerian Communications Commission, (NCC).
The company boosts of experience and deep technical skills in Dedicated Internet Services Provision, managed Point to Point and Point to Multi-Point Network Connectivity, Data Center and Co-location services.
Excelsimo Networks has a state-of-the-art Teleport located at the heart of Gbagada, Lagos, with a redundant Internet Back bone built through its own Optics Fiber Cable for best breed quality of service, with a foot-print that covers Nigeria.
Excelsimo Networks’ total connected users are 572, according to. The active users are 559 while the Points of Presence are 28.