According to a new report, that has been issued by the Nigerian Communications Commission, there has been a substantial boost in rural speeds.
MTN Nigeria is now the fastest mobile network provider, with download speeds hitting almost 15 megabits per second. The report has also shown that, unfortunately, there are some stark disparities between both urban and rural connectivity rates, but things are changing.
Source: Pexels
Rural Speeds have Doubled Since January 2025
Rural speeds in Nigeria have doubled since January 2025. Speeds in January stood at 7.5Mbps, but in September, speeds were clocked at 15Mbps. This is a major sign that the infrastructure payments are paying off. With that said, reports also highlight the fact that urban areas are still getting speeds that are roughly 5-6 Mbps higher on average, due to more consistent upgrades being made, and a bigger focus being put on city centres.
Even though immense progress is being made, it’s certainly good to see that rural speeds are increasing as well. Even though rural internet speeds have been lagging for quite some time, progress like this highlights the fact that rural communities matter just as much as urban communities, and if anything, having a good internet connection is just as, if not more important.
Why do Internet Speeds Matter More in Rural Communities?
In 2025, reliable internet is no longer just a nice thing to have. It’s essential. Faster internet speeds mean that those who work in remote areas can attend virtual classes and even access essential services without being locked out.
For small businesses, it’s possible to take advantage of better connectivity, which means faster management of online payments and easier access to new customers. Beyond work, internet speeds can also provide access to entertainment.
Source: Pexels
Streaming can be provided to houses that aren’t close to cinemas, giving locals access to new and interesting forms of entertainment. Even things like podcasts require stable internet, showing how important it is to maintain speeds across whole communities. For those who game, having a good internet connection is key too.
In the UK,
which ranks 35th in the world when it comes to broadband speeds, there more than enough speed to support most online activities. This is seen in gaming in particular, which is set to grow by 6% as a sector in 2025. This also widens accessibility, even to games that are less internet intensive, like in iGaming. However, the complexity is increasing, and when you
log onto an online casino UK, you’ll even notice live-streamed games, which feature a real human dealer. This shows how iGaming is expanding into more intensive formats.
With the latest data showing that Nigeria ranks 86th in the world for mobile speeds, upgrades will not only help people to gain access to entertainment, but they will also encourage the development of new games, which will give locals more opportunities. It will also mean that those who live in more rural areas are allowed to access the same content as those who live in the city, which will reduce connectivity inequality across the board.
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