Regulator seeks stakeholder input as direct-to-device services emerge as solution for rural coverage gaps
The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) has announced plans to deploy satellite-to-phone technology to extend mobile network coverage to an estimated 23.3 million Nigerians who currently lack access to basic telecom services.
The initiative, outlined in a consultation paper published on the Commission’s website, is part of efforts to close long-standing connectivity gaps identified in the NCC’s 2024 cluster gap study, which found 87 clusters nationwide still experiencing limited or no mobile service.
According to the NCC, the proposed use of satellite direct-to-device (D2D) services will complement existing terrestrial networks, particularly in hard-to-reach areas where traditional infrastructure is either too costly or impractical to deploy.
The Commission is now seeking feedback from industry stakeholders on how the technology can be rolled out efficiently while safeguarding competition, spectrum efficiency, and consumer protection.
Satellite-to-device connectivity enables regular smartphones to connect directly to satellites for voice calls, text messages, and data services without the need for nearby cell towers, offering a practical solution for remote and underserved locations.
The NCC noted that recent advances in satellite and non-terrestrial network technologies have made direct satellite connectivity commercially viable, creating new opportunities to address coverage shortfalls.
“NCC is considering a mix of deployment models tailored to different geographic and operational realities to meet national connectivity goals,” the Commission said, adding that stakeholder input will guide regulatory frameworks, spectrum allocation, and deployment strategies for satellite D2D services in Nigeria.
The move aligns with the NCC’s 2025–2030 Spectrum Roadmap, which identifies non-terrestrial networks as a critical complement to conventional mobile infrastructure.
Industry momentum is also accelerating. Airtel Africa recently entered into an agreement with SpaceX to deliver Starlink-powered direct-to-cell services in Nigeria, underscoring the growing role of satellite technology in expanding telecom access.
The NCC said the consultation process, which opened on January 12, 2026, will help determine suitable technologies, performance benchmarks, and operational conditions to ensure satellite services effectively support Nigeria’s universal access objectives.
Satellite D2D services are gaining global attention as regulators and operators seek to integrate satellite systems with mobile networks, particularly in regions affected by difficult terrain, security challenges, and high deployment costs.
Nigeria’s connectivity challenge remains significant. With a population of about 233 million, nearly 105 million people live in rural areas, many of whom have little or no access to mobile or internet services.
In December 2025, Airtel Africa, including its Nigerian subsidiary, partnered with SpaceX’s Starlink to roll out direct-to-cell services across 14 African markets, beginning in 2026. The service will initially support text messaging and limited data using more than 650 low-Earth orbit satellites.
The partnership makes Airtel the first African telecom operator to offer Starlink-powered D2D services, targeting its 59 million Nigerian subscribers, particularly those in underserved regions.
The NCC acknowledged that initiatives such as MTN and Huawei’s RuralCow project have helped shorten investment recovery periods to about three years through the use of solar-powered mini base stations, but noted that overall rural coverage remains limited.
“Satellite direct-to-device solutions, including the Airtel-Starlink model, are emerging as a more cost-effective way to connect rural blackspots,” the Commission said.
While Nigeria’s national broadband penetration stands at about 50 per cent, the NCC estimates that 23 million Nigerians remain completely unconnected, with 61 per cent of rural residents still offline.
The Commission explained that high deployment costs, dispersed settlements, lack of electricity, limited fibre infrastructure, difficult terrain, and security concerns continue to slow network expansion. As a result, operators often prioritise urban centres such as Lagos, where returns are faster, despite government interventions like the Universal Service Provision Fund.
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