A report by nPerf, a French company specializing in measuring global internet connectivity, has highlighted MTN as the dominant player in Nigeria’s mobile internet market for 2024. The nPerf Barometer analyzed the performance of major telecom operators, including MTN, Airtel, and Globacom, over the period from January 1 to December 31, 2024. Key performance indicators (KPIs) assessed included download speed, upload speed, latency, and video streaming quality.
Performance Highlights
According to the report, MTN ranked as the top performer in overall internet connectivity and dominated the critical 4G network segment. The company excelled in download and upload speeds, latency, and video streaming, reinforcing its leadership in mobile technology.
“MTN’s performance in both download and upload speeds has shown remarkable improvement, particularly in video streaming, where it leads the market,” the report stated. The operator’s consistent focus on enhancing its 4G infrastructure solidifies its pioneering position in Nigeria’s telecommunications sector.
While MTN led the market, Airtel also performed well in specific categories. The report praised Airtel’s strong performance in browsing and video streaming, highlighting its role in maintaining competitiveness within the sector.
“The operator’s contributions are vital to the market’s dynamics, and its focus on improving user experience is evident,” nPerf noted.
Globacom (Glo), although trailing MTN and Airtel, demonstrated steady progress, with notable improvements in its overall score. The report acknowledged Glo’s positive impact on market competition through its continuous efforts to enhance performance.
Methodology
The analysis was based on extensive internet speed tests conducted during both busy hours (6 PM to 11 PM) and idle hours, providing a comprehensive understanding of network performance. According to nPerf, busy hours, marked by network congestion, offer valuable insights into how operators manage user traffic during peak periods.
However, the report excluded 9mobile, Nigeria’s fourth-largest mobile operator, because its test share fell below the required 5% threshold for inclusion.
Market Share Overview
Data from the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) further illustrates MTN’s dominance. As of October 2024, MTN held a 51.09% share of the mobile market, followed by Airtel with 34.61% and Globacom with 12.15%. The remaining 2.15% was attributed to 9mobile.
In terms of internet subscriptions, MTN led with 69.5 million customers, while Airtel recorded 45.7 million. Globacom followed with 17.1 million, and 9mobile trailed with just 2.1 million subscribers.
MTN’s superior performance in speed and network reliability positions it as the leader in Nigeria’s competitive mobile internet market, with Airtel and Globacom striving to close the gap.