The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) has concluded plans to leverage satellite technology to expand mobile connectivity to an estimated 23.3 million Nigerians living in areas beyond the reach of terrestrial telecommunications networks.
The initiative targets rural and hard-to-reach communities where conventional mobile infrastructure is either unavailable or too costly to deploy. Known as satellite-to-phone or direct-to-device (D2D) connectivity, the technology allows standard smartphones to connect directly to satellites for voice calls, text messages, and limited data services without relying on ground-based cell towers.
The NCC disclosed the plan in a consultation paper published on its website, noting that the move is aimed at addressing persistent coverage gaps identified in its 2024 cluster gap study. The study revealed 87 clusters across the country where access to telecommunications services remains limited. The Commission is now seeking stakeholder input on how satellite D2D services can be deployed efficiently while promoting competition, ensuring optimal spectrum use, and protecting consumers.
According to the regulator, recent advances in satellite and non-terrestrial network technologies have made direct satellite connectivity with mobile devices technically and commercially viable, offering a practical solution for regions where traditional infrastructure faces geographical, security, or cost constraints.
“NCC is exploring a mix of approaches tailored to specific locations and operational conditions to achieve national connectivity objectives,” the consultation paper stated. It added that evidence-based feedback from stakeholders would guide the development of regulatory frameworks, spectrum allocation, and deployment strategies for satellite D2D services in Nigeria.
The initiative aligns with the NCC’s 2025–2030 Spectrum Roadmap, which identifies non-terrestrial networks as a critical complement to existing mobile infrastructure. It also follows recent industry developments, including Airtel Africa’s agreement with SpaceX to deliver Starlink-powered direct-to-cell services in Nigeria.
The consultation process, which opened on 12 January 2026, is expected to inform decisions on appropriate technologies, performance standards, and operational considerations to ensure satellite services contribute effectively to Nigeria’s universal access goals.
Globally, satellite D2D connectivity is gaining traction as regulators and telecom operators seek innovative ways to close coverage gaps, particularly in regions where difficult terrain, insecurity, and low population density have left millions without reliable mobile and internet access.
In December 2025, Airtel Africa, including its Nigerian operations, partnered with SpaceX’s Starlink to launch direct-to-cell services across 14 African markets. The rollout, scheduled to begin in 2026, will initially support text messaging and selected data services using more than 650 satellites, positioning Airtel as the first operator in Africa to deploy Starlink D2D technology.
Nigeria’s connectivity challenge remains significant. Nearly half of the country’s estimated 233 million population—about 105 million people—live in rural areas with limited or no access to mobile and internet services. Although national broadband penetration stands at around 50 per cent, about 23 million Nigerians are completely unconnected, with roughly 61 per cent of rural residents still offline.
High deployment costs, dispersed settlements, unreliable electricity, limited fibre infrastructure, difficult terrain, and security concerns have made traditional base station rollout slow and economically unattractive, often requiring five to ten years to recoup investment. As a result, telecom operators have concentrated infrastructure in urban centres such as Lagos, where returns are faster.
While initiatives like the Universal Service Provision Fund and projects such as MTN-Huawei’s RuralCow—using solar-powered mini base stations—have helped reduce payback periods to about three years, coverage remains limited. Satellite direct-to-device services are now emerging as a potentially more cost-effective and scalable solution to connect rural blackspots and bring millions of Nigerians into the digital economy.
The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) has concluded plans to leverage satellite technology to expand mobile connectivity to an estimated 23.3 million Nigerians living in areas beyond the reach of terrestrial telecommunications networks.
The initiative targets rural and hard-to-reach communities where conventional mobile infrastructure is either unavailable or too costly to deploy. Known as satellite-to-phone or direct-to-device (D2D) connectivity, the technology allows standard smartphones to connect directly to satellites for voice calls, text messages, and limited data services without relying on ground-based cell towers.
The NCC disclosed the plan in a consultation paper published on its website, noting that the move is aimed at addressing persistent coverage gaps identified in its 2024 cluster gap study. The study revealed 87 clusters across the country where access to telecommunications services remains limited. The Commission is now seeking stakeholder input on how satellite D2D services can be deployed efficiently while promoting competition, ensuring optimal spectrum use, and protecting consumers.
According to the regulator, recent advances in satellite and non-terrestrial network technologies have made direct satellite connectivity with mobile devices technically and commercially viable, offering a practical solution for regions where traditional infrastructure faces geographical, security, or cost constraints.
“NCC is exploring a mix of approaches tailored to specific locations and operational conditions to achieve national connectivity objectives,” the consultation paper stated. It added that evidence-based feedback from stakeholders would guide the development of regulatory frameworks, spectrum allocation, and deployment strategies for satellite D2D services in Nigeria.
The initiative aligns with the NCC’s 2025–2030 Spectrum Roadmap, which identifies non-terrestrial networks as a critical complement to existing mobile infrastructure. It also follows recent industry developments, including Airtel Africa’s agreement with SpaceX to deliver Starlink-powered direct-to-cell services in Nigeria.
The consultation process, which opened on 12 January 2026, is expected to inform decisions on appropriate technologies, performance standards, and operational considerations to ensure satellite services contribute effectively to Nigeria’s universal access goals.
Globally, satellite D2D connectivity is gaining traction as regulators and telecom operators seek innovative ways to close coverage gaps, particularly in regions where difficult terrain, insecurity, and low population density have left millions without reliable mobile and internet access.
In December 2025, Airtel Africa, including its Nigerian operations, partnered with SpaceX’s Starlink to launch direct-to-cell services across 14 African markets. The rollout, scheduled to begin in 2026, will initially support text messaging and selected data services using more than 650 satellites, positioning Airtel as the first operator in Africa to deploy Starlink D2D technology.
Nigeria’s connectivity challenge remains significant. Nearly half of the country’s estimated 233 million population—about 105 million people—live in rural areas with limited or no access to mobile and internet services. Although national broadband penetration stands at around 50 per cent, about 23 million Nigerians are completely unconnected, with roughly 61 per cent of rural residents still offline.
High deployment costs, dispersed settlements, unreliable electricity, limited fibre infrastructure, difficult terrain, and security concerns have made traditional base station rollout slow and economically unattractive, often requiring five to ten years to recoup investment. As a result, telecom operators have concentrated infrastructure in urban centres such as Lagos, where returns are faster.
While initiatives like the Universal Service Provision Fund and projects such as MTN-Huawei’s RuralCow—using solar-powered mini base stations—have helped reduce payback periods to about three years, coverage remains limited. Satellite direct-to-device services are now emerging as a potentially more cost-effective and scalable solution to connect rural blackspots and bring millions of Nigerians into the digital economy.
