Regulator seeks stakeholder input as Direct-to-Device services emerge as solution to connectivity gaps
The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) has signalled a major shift in its approach to expanding mobile coverage, proposing the adoption of Satellite Direct-to-Device (D2D) connectivity to bridge persistent network gaps affecting more than 23 million Nigerians.
The proposal was outlined in a consultation paper published on the Commission’s website, where the regulator detailed why satellite-enabled mobile services are increasingly being considered necessary to achieve universal access.
According to the NCC, national connectivity assessments, rapid advances in satellite technology, and the limits of traditional terrestrial networks have made it clear that mobile coverage targets cannot be met through ground-based infrastructure alone.
Why NCC Is Looking to Satellites
The Commission said recent innovations in satellite and non-terrestrial network technologies now allow standard mobile devices to connect directly to satellites, without the need for specialised equipment. This, it said, opens new possibilities for expanding coverage in hard-to-reach areas and improving service continuity nationwide.
The NCC noted that its interest in D2D services is rooted in its statutory mandate to ensure accessible, reliable, and efficient communication services across the country.
Findings from the 2024 cluster gap study conducted by the Universal Service Provision Fund (USPF) were cited as a key driver of the initiative. The study identified 87 underserved clusters, impacting approximately 23.37 million people.
“These findings highlight locations where connectivity challenges persist and where multiple solutions may be required,” the Commission said.
The NCC added that meeting Nigeria’s connectivity goals would likely require a mix of technologies, tailored to specific locations and operating conditions, rather than reliance on a single network model.
Industry Consultation Underway
As part of the process, the NCC has opened a formal consultation with industry stakeholders to determine how Satellite D2D services can be introduced without undermining competition, spectrum efficiency, or consumer protection.
The consultation, which began on January 12, 2026, seeks evidence-based input on:
- potential use cases for D2D services,
- expected benefits and risks,
- public-interest considerations, and
- suitable technologies and network architectures.
The Commission said stakeholder feedback will also guide its assessment of spectrum requirements, coexistence issues, and authorization frameworks ahead of any regulatory rollout.
Policy Shift Toward Non-Terrestrial Networks
The consultation paper builds on earlier signals that satellite services will play a larger role in Nigeria’s communications strategy.
In December, the NCC outlined a policy shift toward satellite-powered mobile connectivity in its draft Spectrum Roadmap for the Communications Sector (2025–2030), identifying Direct-to-Device services as a key tool for expanding coverage over the next five years.
The move followed Airtel Africa’s announcement of a strategic partnership with SpaceX, aimed at deploying Starlink-powered direct-to-cell services in Nigeria and other Airtel markets.
According to the NCC, non-terrestrial networks are increasingly seen as a necessary complement to conventional mobile infrastructure in a country where challenging terrain, security concerns, and high deployment costs have left millions without reliable connectivity.
Global Context
Satellite Direct-to-Device connectivity is gaining momentum worldwide as technological advances blur the line between satellite and mobile communications.
The NCC said it is aligning Nigeria’s regulatory approach with global developments, including ongoing studies at the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) ahead of the World Radiocommunication Conference 2027.
These studies are exploring potential new spectrum allocations that would enable direct satellite connections to ordinary mobile phones, strengthening coverage in areas beyond the reach of traditional networks.
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