THE number of connected Global Satellite Mobile network lines in Nigeria has risen by 27.78 per cent to 303.64 million in four years, according to data from the Nigerian Communications Commission.
Within the time under review, the number of active lines grew by 33.66 per cent to 197.77 million. In February 2018, the number of connected lines in the nation was 237.62 million, while active lines were 147.96 million.
By February 2022, the number of connected lines had grown to 303.64 million, while active lines grew to 197.77 million.
From February 2018 to February 2019, the number of connected lines grew by 4.56 per cent to 248.45 million, while active lines grew by 17.11 per cent to 173.28 million.
Connected lines grew by 9.41 per cent to 271.83 million in the corresponding period of 2020, while active lines grew by 8.01 per cent to 187.15 million.
From February 2020 to February 2021, the number of connected lines grew by 9.95 per cent to 298.87 million while active lines grew by 4.59 per cent to 195.75 million. Connected lines grew by 1.59 per cent to 303.64 million in the corresponding period of 2022, while active lines grew by 1.04 per cent to 197.77 million.
The Chairman, Association of Licensed Telecoms Operators of Nigeria, Gbenga Adebayo, said connected lines are potentially active lines, The PUNCH had reported.
He added that when a line isn’t active, it isn’t contributing to the national network but has been ascribed to an owner. According to him, some subscribers have a multiplicity of SIM cards.
GSMA, the association representing telecommunication operators globally, said there were 97.5 million unique mobile subscribers in Nigeria as of September 2018.
While announcing the deadline for the SIM-NIN verification exercise, the NCC and the National Identity Management Commission said some Nigerians have as many as three SIMs registered in their names.
In a statement extending the SIM-NIN linkage deadline to October 31, 2021, the commissions said, “There are now a total of 59.8 million unique NIN enrolments, with an average of three to four SIMs per NIN.”
