Nigerians are consuming content on the internet at an unprecedented pace, with monthly usage up by more than 501.99 percent since 2019. This surge has been fueled by the growing appetite for streaming services and other online activities, accessible primarily through smartphones.
According to data from the Nigerian Communication Commission (NCC), monthly internet usage grew from 125,149.86 terabytes (TB) as of December 2019 to 753,388.77 TB as of March 2024.
Also, an analysis by BusinessDay shows that the monthly amount spent on internet access has risen to N216.59 billion from N35.98 billion, with the average price of 1GB at N287.
5. The analysis was based on findings that revealed the average cost of 1GB in the country. 1GB onAirtel was N350, N200 on MTN, N300 on Glo, and N300 on 9mobile, bringing the average cost of 1GB to N287.
5. The COVID-19 pandemic accelerated internet consumption. Lockdowns and social distancing measures forced people to work, learn, and socialise virtually, leading to a reliance on video conferencing, online education, and other internet-based activities.
According to the International Telecommunication Union (ITU), the United Nations specialised agency for information and communication technologies, global internet traffic has grown by an average of 30 per cent. In its 2020 industry report, the NCC said, “The year 2020 witnessed a significant surge in data usage..
. The increase in data usage is directly linked to the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandem.