The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) is championing Satellite Direct-to-Device (D2D) connectivity as a solution to persistent network coverage gaps affecting an estimated 23.3 million Nigerians who remain underserved by conventional mobile networks.
This position is outlined in a consultation paper published on the Commission’s website, where the regulator explained the rationale for embracing satellite-enabled mobile connectivity as part of Nigeria’s broader universal access strategy.
According to the NCC, national connectivity assessments, rapid advances in satellite technology, and the limitations of relying solely on terrestrial infrastructure have made D2D services increasingly relevant.
The paper notes that recent developments in non-terrestrial network technologies now allow standard mobile devices to connect directly to satellites, opening up new opportunities to expand coverage and improve service reliability, especially in hard-to-reach areas.
The Commission said its interest in Satellite D2D connectivity aligns with its statutory mandate to ensure accessible, reliable, and efficient communication services nationwide.
“Findings from the Commission’s 2024 cluster gap study conducted by the Universal Service Provision Fund (USPF), which identified 87 connectivity clusters affecting approximately 23.37 million people, highlight areas where coverage challenges persist and where multiple solutions may be required,” the NCC stated.
It added that achieving national connectivity goals would likely require a mix of network models, tailored to specific locations, use cases, and operating conditions, rather than dependence on a single infrastructure approach.
The NCC said it is seeking input from industry stakeholders on how Satellite D2D services can be introduced in a manner that promotes universal access, while safeguarding competition, spectrum efficiency, and consumer protection.
The consultation, which began on January 12, 2026, aims to gather evidence-based feedback on potential use cases, benefits, risks, and public-interest considerations associated with D2D services in Nigeria.
Stakeholder input will also inform the Commission’s assessment of suitable technologies, network architectures, expected performance levels, and deployment requirements, as well as spectrum demand, coexistence, and authorisation issues, ahead of any formal regulatory framework.
The consultation paper builds on earlier policy signals pointing to a growing role for satellite services in Nigeria’s communications landscape.
In December, the NCC signalled a significant policy shift toward satellite-powered mobile connectivity, identifying Direct-to-Device services as a key technology for expanding coverage between 2025 and 2030. This direction was outlined in the Commission’s draft Spectrum Roadmap for the Communications Sector (2025–2030).
The move followed Airtel Africa’s strategic agreement with SpaceX to deliver Starlink-powered direct-to-cell services across Nigeria and other Airtel markets.
According to the NCC, non-terrestrial networks are increasingly viewed as a critical complement to traditional mobile infrastructure in a country where challenging terrain, security concerns, and high deployment costs continue to leave millions without reliable connectivity.
