The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) has unveiled plans to deploy satellite-to-phone technology to extend mobile network coverage to an estimated 23.3 million Nigerians currently without access to terrestrial telecom services.
The initiative, also known as direct-to-device (D2D) or direct-to-cell connectivity, will allow standard smartphones to connect directly to satellites for voice calls, text messages, and data services—without the need for conventional cell towers. The approach is expected to significantly improve connectivity in remote, rural, and hard-to-reach areas.
In a consultation paper published on its website, the NCC said the proposal is aimed at addressing persistent coverage gaps identified in its 2024 cluster gap study, which revealed 87 underserved clusters nationwide. The Commission is now seeking stakeholder input on how satellite D2D services can be deployed effectively while safeguarding competition, spectrum efficiency, and consumer protection.
According to the regulator, recent advances in satellite and non-terrestrial network technologies have made direct smartphone-to-satellite communication commercially viable, offering a practical alternative where deploying traditional infrastructure is difficult, costly, or unsafe.
“The NCC is exploring a mix of approaches tailored to specific locations and operational conditions to achieve national connectivity objectives,” the Commission stated. It added that evidence-based contributions from stakeholders 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 existing mobile infrastructure. Industry momentum is also building, with Airtel Africa recently signing an agreement with SpaceX to deliver Starlink-powered direct-to-cell services in Nigeria.
The public consultation, which opened on January 12, 2026, will shape decisions on appropriate technologies, performance benchmarks, and operational models to ensure satellite connectivity supports Nigeria’s universal access goals.
Globally, satellite D2D services are gaining traction as regulators and telecom operators seek solutions to connectivity challenges posed by geography, insecurity, and high deployment costs—issues that continue to affect millions across Africa.
In December 2025, Airtel Africa announced a partnership with SpaceX’s Starlink to roll out direct-to-cell services across 14 markets, including Nigeria. The service, expected to begin in 2026, will initially support text messaging and limited data via more than 650 satellites, making Airtel the first African operator to offer Starlink D2D services. The rollout targets Airtel’s 59 million Nigerian subscribers, particularly in underserved regions.
Nigeria’s connectivity challenge remains significant. Nearly half of the country’s estimated 233 million people—about 105 million—live in rural areas with little or no access to mobile or internet services. Although national broadband penetration stands at roughly 50 per cent, about 23 million Nigerians are completely unconnected, leaving 61 per cent of rural residents offline.
High infrastructure costs, dispersed settlements, unreliable electricity, limited fibre networks, and security concerns have slowed rural expansion. While initiatives such as the Universal Service Provision Fund and projects like MTN-Huawei’s RuralCow—using solar-powered mini base stations—have helped reduce return-on-investment timelines, coverage gaps persist.
Against this backdrop, satellite direct-to-device services are increasingly viewed as a cost-effective and scalable solution to connect Nigeria’s remaining digital blackspots.
Comments