Starlink, the satellite internet service created by Elon Musk, is already making substantial progress in Sub-Saharan Africa in providing internet access to populations that lack connectivity. Starlink is starting to gain traction in Nigeria but according to recent reports, there are inconsistencies between Nigeria and other African countries with respect to service quality.
Starlink Internet Speed in Nigeria
A report by broadband analytics firm Ookla found that Starlink’s average download speed in Nigeria is 49.6 Mbps, significantly slower than Botswana (106.4 Mbps), Eswatini (86.2 Mbps) and Rwanda (85.5 Mbps). An Ookla spokesperson explained that the slow speeds in Nigeria could be attributed to network congestion from having so many users:
“Nigeria is probably Starlink’s largest market in Africa, so its network may have a lot more users causing more congestion than the networks in Botswana. The number of users connected to the same satellite could significantly affect speeds.”
Despite the slow speeds, Starlink has climbed to be the second largest ISP in Nigeria with 65,564 paying customers in Q3 2024, according to Nairametrics.
Pricing and Subscription Plan
Starlink pricing in Nigeria is as follows:
- Monthly Subscription Fee: NGN 57,000
- Hardware (Dish & Router): NGN 318,000
- Data Cap: Unlimited
These prices classify Starlink as a premium option, especially for rural users that require reliable connectivity.
Keep Reading
30-Day Money Back Guarantee
Starlink has a 30-day trial for new users in Nigeria. If you are not satisfied with the service, you have the option to return the hardware for a full refund, including the first month’s service fee, during this time. This policy allows users to test out the service without risk.
Availability and Installation
Starlink’s service is available all across Nigeria, including remote and underserved areas. The installation is straightforward:
Plug the Starlink Kit: Connecting the parts of the hardware.
Look at the Sky: The dish needs a clear view of the sky for the best connectivity.
The Starlink app helps you find the best place to install.
