Nigeria’s Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) is moving forward with plans to deploy satellite-to-phone technology to expand mobile connectivity to an estimated 23.3 million people who remain underserved by conventional terrestrial networks, regulators said in a consultation paper published on its website. The initiative is intended to bridge persistent coverage gaps identified in the NCC’s 2024 cluster gap study, which found 87 clusters lacking reliable service, according to reporting by Punch Nigeria.
The satellite-to-phone service, also known as direct-to-device (D2D) or direct-to-cell connectivity, allows ordinary mobile phones to connect directly to satellites for voice, text and data without relying on traditional cell towers, a potential game-changer for rural and hard-to-reach areas where laying infrastructure is costly or impractical, regulators noted. The NCC said advances in satellite and non-terrestrial network technologies now make such services viable and is seeking stakeholder input on deployment models, spectrum use, competition and consumer protection ahead of any regulatory framework, according to the consultation paper.
The push for satellite D2D aligns with the commission’s broader 2025–2030 Spectrum Roadmap, which identifies non-terrestrial networks as a key complement to traditional mobile infrastructure. Industry developments, such as Airtel Africa’s partnership with SpaceX’s Starlink to deliver direct-to-cell connectivity starting in 2026, further underscore the growing role of satellite solutions in reaching underserved populations, as noted in Channels Television reporting.
Officials said the consultation, which opened in January 2026, will help shape future regulatory approaches and ensure that satellite-based services support Nigeria’s universal connectivity goals while safeguarding competition and efficient spectrum use.
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