In order to connect to the Internet, you need to use an Internet service. Internet service provides a way for data to be transferred from Internet servers to your computer. An Internet service provider is a company that provides access to the Internet. Most ISPs require you to subscribe in order to use their services, but there are ways to connect to the Internet for free. Some of the most common ways to connect to the Internet are dial-up, DSL, cable and wireless services.
Different types of internet service providers
What is the role of ISPs and what do they do?
Internet service providers connect your personal or business computer, laptop, mobile device etc to the internet. ISPs may be commercial, non-profit, privately owned or community owned companies.
Most providers offer the same types of internet services to customers, including:
- internet access
- email access
- domain name registration
- web hosting
- co-location (or data centre services)
Some ISPs also provide services such as website design or development of e-commerce facilities.
Different types of ISP connections
ISPs use a range of technologies to enable customers’ connection to their network. The most common types of internet connections include:
- DSL (digital subscriber line)
- cable broadband
- fibre optic broadband
- wireless or Wi-Fi broadband
- satellite and mobile broadband
- dedicated leased line
Most ISPs offer a range of packages aimed at different levels of users, based on factors such as the speed of connection, the number of email addresses needed or the amount of free web space.
Choosing the right type of internet service provider
When selecting an ISP, you should carefully determine your ISP requirements. You should consider:
- the type of services you need
- the costs and quality of services
- the number of users needing an internet connection
- the location of the users
- the bandwidth capacity
- contention ratios and other terms and conditions of the service
You should also determine if, either now or in the future, you might need:
- Virtual Private Network (VPN) access
- email access
- website hosting services
- domain registration
- e-commerce facilities
- use of online databases
Keep in mind that, as your business grows, your requirements may change. Some ISPs offer flexible service plans or scalable solutions. You should examine your requirements carefully and consider all the various factors when choosing your ISP
List of Top Internet Service Providers in Nigeria and their charges:
1. Cobranet Nigeria
I am starting the list with Cobranet because I use them. I will not say they are the best internet in Nigeria service provider; but they are okay. Few ups and downs happened in the past with server not working or server to slow. What can I say?
I took a test just before the publication of this post and below is the result of my test on Cobranet Limited speed test on the service plan that I am. Test also measure the upload and download in “Mbps”; Mbps stands for ‘Megabits Per Second’ which is what indicate the speed of your internet connection.
Test above conducted using google.com service typing “My internet speed” into the google search bar.
The higher the number of Mbps you have, the faster your internet connection will be.
Cobranet Nigeria is one of the Nigeria Internet Service Providers that started operation in Nigeria in 2003. The company has been providing internet services for both corporate and individuals with strength in reliable and secured internet connections.
Cobranet has the following two services under her umbrella – UGO Mobole and UGO Fibre. UGO Mobile, a service based on mobile broadband access technology while UGO Fibre is the company’s’ latest Fibre-Optic Technology.
Cobranet Price for both UGO Mobile and UGO Fibre plans at the time of publication is as follow:
2. Spectranet Nigeria
A 4G LTE internet broadband Service Provider in Nigeria with sales offices mainly concentrated in Lagos and environment. The company on her website claimed to be “home to the Only Netflix server in West Africa”.
Spectranet Nigeria is one of the Nigeria earlier Internet service provider and double up as one of the few to have rolled out the 4G LTE internet broadband Services in the country.
3. IPNX Nigeria Limited
With locations called iShop in Kano, Abuja, Port-Harcourt, Ibadan and Lagos, IPNX provides internet services to residents and businesses. An Information Technology company that provides internet connectivity with other services such as IT services, telephony and television services to both corporate and residential customers.
IPNX Nigeria resident customers will enjoy their broadband services that includes the FOS (Fibre Optic Service) and iWireles in addition to the business media hub services if included in your package.
As a business customer with IPNX, you have various option to go for. Your choices includes but not limited to – Business Broadband, IT services, Collaboration, Business Voice and FTTH Neighbourhoods.
As at the time of this publication, the prices indicated on the IPNX Nigeria Limited for some of her internet services is as follows:
| PACKAGE NAME | FIBRE-OPTIC BROADBAND INTERNETGuaranteed Speed / Monthly Data Allowance | PHONE | PRICE |
| Starter Basic | 20Mbps / 20GB | 1 FREE LANDLINE & ON-NET CALLS | N7,900.00/mthModem – N15,750.00Installation – N15,750.00 |
| Starter Preferred | 20Mbps / 400GB | 1 FREE LANDLINE & ON-NET CALLS | N10,500.00/mthModem – N15,750.00Installation – N15,750.00 |
| Advantage Basic | 25Mbps / 80GB | 2 FREE LANDLINE & ON-NET CALLS | N15,750.00/mthModem – N15,750.00Installation – N15,750.00 |
| Advantage Preferred | 25Mbps / 140GB | 2 FREE LANDLINE & ON-NET CALLS | N26,250.00/mthModem – N15,750.00Installation – N15,750.00 |
| Advantage Premium | 25Mbps / 230GB | 2 FREE LANDLINE & ON-NET CALLS | N42,000.00/mthModem – N15,750.00Installation – N15,750.00 |
| Ultimate Basic | 50Mbps / 450GB | 2 FREE LANDLINE & ON-NET CALLS | N78,750.00/mthModem – N52,500.00Installation – N15,750.00 |
| Ultimate Preferred | 50Mbps / 550GB | 2 FREE LANDLINE & ON-NET CALLS | N94,500.00/mthModem – N52,500.00Installation – N15,750.00 |
| Ultimate Premium | 500Mbps / 1000GB | 2 FREE LANDLINE & ON-NET CALLS | N157,500.00/mthModem – N52,500.00Installation – N15,750.00 |
I will advice you to check on the companies website for any recent chances in prices.
4. Swift Network Limited
One of the foremost Internet Service Provider in Nigeria with her URL – swftng.com and one of the 4G LTE service provider in the country. Obtaining the license to provide internet broadband services to both business and residential customers in 2002 from the Nigerian Telecommunication Commission, the company has been delivering these services to the public.
Swift Network recently introduced the ‘Swift Dual Bank 4G LTE’ with the inscription “Twice the Strength, twice the Satisfaction”. A services designed to bring better, fast and reliable internet service to the consumers.
Swift Network offer extra benefits to her customer that includes:
- Interest Free Data Loan;
- Roll Over Data; and
- Multi-Users per connection.
Additional advantage that swift provide on her website is the Internet Speed tester that comes as an handle tool to every internet users
The Swift service plan:
- Individual – SWIFT Budget (Data Cap: 1GB), SWIFT Merit (Data Cap: 3GB), SWIFT Essential Mini (Data Cap: 10GB).
- Residential – SWIFT Essential (Data Cap: 14GB), SWIFT Club (Data Cap: 20GB), SWIFT Family Plus (Data Cap: 34GB).
- Business – SWIFT Premium (Data Cap: 30GB), SWIFT Elite (Data Cap: 46GB), SWIFT Elite Plus (Data Cap: 60GB).
For those people that are always on the move, Swift has the plug and play bundle offer that will be supportable for all purpose.
5. Smile Nigeria
One of the newest breed of internet service providers in Nigeria that pride herself as the fastest mobile connection company; alongside with super-fast internet for the family. Smile communications Nigeria is one of the fastest growing internet service providers in Nigeria.
Like any of the ISP’s in Nigeria, Smile provide services to both businesses and individuals with coverage in few states in Nigeria. When it come to the 4G LTE, Smile Nigeria plays a big role in delivering these services to their clients.
Smile has two different modem for individuals to choose from. These are –
- 7GB Anytime + SMIFI. This come with a 50% bonus data on all data recharge for the first 3 months. The cost of this modem is N16,500.00.
- Unlimited Premium + Router. A nice package that also give you 50% bonus data on data recharge; With this router, Smile Nigeria promise her customers an unlimited super fast internet services. The price for this package start from N34,800.00.
Smile Service Plan
- 4G LTE Supervalue Data pack – N1,000.00 (SIM ONLY)
- Unlimited Premium + Smile SIM – N19,800.00
In addition to Lagos and Abuja, smile is making their services available to other cities like Port-Harcourt and some other states.
With those ISP’s mentioned above, I am pretty sure you will find one that is appropriate for your need.
I am sure you like good internet services, don’t you? Then it is time for you to compare your service providers with the rest. Go for the best.
With technology, individuals and businesses need good internet connectivity. With it, your connectivity with the world is made simple.
This article in for information ONLY!
Not intended for any reason to promote any of the Internet Service Providers in Nigeria. If you feel that we need to add any more information to it, please feel free to send us a mail.
In this year 2018, which of the ISPs in the country do you think is the best internet provider in Nigeria? In addition, which of these ISPs provide the fastest internet speed in Nigeria. That is to say, who gives the best internet in Nigeria services?
Good luck in finding the Best Internet Service Provider in Nigeria (ISP).
