Nigeria’s 4G coverage grows to 84% in 2024

Nigeria’s 4G coverage has surged to 84 percent in 2024, up from 41 percent in 2019, according to a new report from GSMA.

The report, titled “Sub-Saharan Africa 2024 Year in Review,” explores the significant progress made in expanding 4G connectivity across the country, although challenges persist in rural areas where coverage remains at 48 percent.

The GSMA report highlights the critical need for additional investments to achieve near universal 4G coverage in Nigeria. According to geospatial analysis, bridging the gap to reach 98 percent of 4G coverage would require approximately $360 million in investment. The final 2 percent of the population, residing in extremely remote and sparsely populated areas, may need to rely on alternative technologies such as satellite connectivity.

Read also: MTN’s NTEL spectrum lease extension to boost 3G, 4G coverage

Policy reforms could play a pivotal role in reducing this investment gap. The GSMA suggests that eliminating sector-specific taxes on infrastructure and removing retail price regulations could decrease the investment requirement by 44 percent, bringing it down to $200 million.

The report also emphasises the importance of demand-side policies, such as ensuring the affordability and accessibility of 4G devices. With higher 4G adoption rates and average revenue per user (ARPU) aligning with those of other African countries, Nigeria could achieve 97 percent coverage, reducing the investment gap to just $30 million.

The leap from 41 percent to 84 percent in five years showcases the strides made by telecom operators and policymakers in expanding digital connectivity. However, the disparity between urban and rural coverage highlights the persistent challenges of infrastructure deployment in less economically viable areas.

Expanding 4G coverage remains critical to Nigeria’s economic growth, as it facilitates improved internet access, supports digital innovation, and drives socio-economic development.