The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) is advancing plans to adopt Satellite Direct-to-Device (D2D) connectivity as a way to address long-standing mobile network coverage gaps affecting about 23.3 million Nigerians.
The initiative was disclosed in a consultation document published on the Commission’s website, outlining why satellite-enabled direct mobile connectivity is increasingly being viewed as a viable solution for achieving nationwide access.
According to the NCC, findings from recent connectivity assessments, coupled with rapid progress in satellite and non-terrestrial network technologies, show that relying exclusively on ground-based infrastructure may no longer be sufficient to deliver universal mobile coverage.
Why Satellite D2D Is Gaining Regulatory Attention
The Commission noted that technological advances now allow conventional mobile phones to connect directly to satellites, eliminating the need for nearby base stations in some use cases. This capability could significantly improve coverage in remote and difficult-to-serve locations, while also enhancing network reliability during outages.
The NCC said factors such as Nigeria’s vast geography, security concerns in certain regions, and the high cost of deploying terrestrial infrastructure continue to slow connectivity expansion, making alternative solutions increasingly necessary.
Regulator’s Position on Universal Connectivity
According to the NCC, its growing interest in Satellite D2D services aligns with its statutory duty to ensure that communications services across Nigeria are widely accessible, dependable, and efficient.
The Commission referenced results from a 2024 cluster gap analysis carried out by the Universal Service Provision Fund (USPF), which identified 87 underserved clusters impacting roughly 23.37 million people nationwide.
These findings, the NCC said, underscore the need for multiple complementary connectivity models, rather than a one-size-fits-all approach, to address Nigeria’s diverse coverage challenges.
Stakeholder Engagement and Industry Feedback
As part of the process, the NCC has opened an industry-wide consultation to gather stakeholder perspectives on how Satellite D2D services could be deployed responsibly in Nigeria.
The consultation, which began on January 12, 2026, seeks evidence-based input on potential applications, advantages, risks, and public-interest implications of direct satellite-to-phone connectivity.
The Commission said feedback from operators, technology providers, and other stakeholders will guide its evaluation of:
- Appropriate technologies and network designs
- Expected service performance levels
- Deployment and operational challenges
- Spectrum usage, coexistence, and authorisation requirements
This input will shape any future policy or regulatory framework governing Satellite Direct-to-Device services.
Policy Context: Expanding the Role of Satellites
The consultation paper builds on earlier indications that satellite technologies will play a more prominent role in Nigeria’s telecoms landscape.
In December, the NCC outlined plans to integrate satellite-powered mobile services into its connectivity strategy for 2025 to 2030, as detailed in the draft Spectrum Roadmap for the Communications Sector (2025–2030).
This policy direction followed a partnership announcement between Airtel Africa and SpaceX to roll out Starlink-enabled direct-to-cell services across Nigeria and other African markets.
The NCC has positioned non-terrestrial networks as a strategic complement to traditional mobile infrastructure, particularly in areas where physical, economic, or security constraints continue to leave millions without reliable connectivity.
