NCC Bets on Satellite D2D to Connect 23.3m Nigerians
The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) has unveiled plans to adopt Satellite Direct-to-Device (D2D) connectivity to bridge persistent coverage gaps affecting an estimated 23.3 million Nigerians, according to a consultation paper published on its website.
The regulator said its push for D2D services is backed by findings from the 2024 cluster gap study conducted by the Universal Service Provision Fund (USPF), which identified 87 clusters where connectivity challenges persist. These clusters represent millions of Nigerians who remain outside the reach of terrestrial mobile networks.
Advances in satellite and non-terrestrial network technologies now make it possible for mobile devices to connect directly to satellites, creating opportunities to extend coverage and improve service continuity. The NCC said this approach is critical to achieving universal access, given the limitations of relying solely on ground-based infrastructure.
The consultation, which began on January 12, 2026, seeks stakeholder input on potential use cases, benefits, risks, and public-interest considerations associated with D2D services. It will also inform the Commission’s assessment of spectrum demand, coexistence, and authorisation requirements ahead of a regulatory framework.
The initiative builds on the NCC’s draft Spectrum Roadmap (2025–2030), which positions non-terrestrial networks as a complement to traditional mobile infrastructure. In December, the Commission signalled a major policy shift toward satellite-powered mobile connectivity, weeks after Airtel Africa announced a strategic agreement with SpaceX to deliver Starlink-powered direct-to-cell services in Nigeria and other markets.
Globally, satellite D2D is gaining regulatory traction. The NCC said it is aligning with ongoing studies at the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) ahead of the World Radiocommunication Conference 2027, where new spectrum allocations for direct satellite-to-mobile connectivity are under consideration.
The Commission emphasized that its statutory responsibility is to ensure accessible, reliable, and efficient communications services across Nigeria, and that the HoldCo-style integration of satellite services will be key to closing the gap for millions still excluded from mobile coverage.
Related to this topic:
