The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) has indicated a significant shift towards satellite-based mobile connectivity, supporting Direct-to-Device (D2D) satellite services as an essential technology for improving coverage from 2025 to 2030.
- The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) has indicated a significant shift towards satellite-based mobile connectivity, supporting Direct-to-Device (D2D) satellite services as...
- This is a component of the Commission’s draft Spectrum Roadmap for the Communications Sector (2025–2030).
- “In Nigeria, D2D connectivity could play a transformative role by extending voice and data coverage to signal blackspots, vast rural,...
- The document states that millions of Nigerians who currently lack dependable connectivity will be able to access high-speed internet through...
Keep reading for the full breakdown on d2d satellite services — everything you need to know is covered below.
This is a component of the Commission’s draft Spectrum Roadmap for the Communications Sector (2025–2030).
Only a few weeks have passed since Airtel Africa announced a strategic partnership with SpaceX to provide direct-to-cell services powered by Starlink in Nigeria and other Airtel operating markets.
Non-terrestrial networks are positioned in the NCC’s roadmap as an essential addition to conventional mobile infrastructure, especially in a nation where terrestrial networks still underserve millions of people due to their remote locations, security concerns, and high deployment costs.
Rising popularity of Direct-to-Device satellite services
Direct-to-Device (D2D) satellite services, which eliminate the need for ground-based towers and provide voice and data services directly to standard mobile handsets, are becoming increasingly popular worldwide, according to the NCC.
“In Nigeria, D2D connectivity could play a transformative role by extending voice and data coverage to signal blackspots, vast rural, riverine, and border communities currently beyond the reach of mobile towers,” the Commission stated.
“It would also strengthen network resilience—serving as a fallback during fibre cuts, power outages, or emergencies that disrupt terrestrial networks,” it added.
Advantages of Direct-to-Device satellite services
Adoption of D2D could improve public safety, disaster response, Internet of Things (IoT) deployments, and smart agriculture in underserved areas, according to the regulator, as well as consumer use.
Crucially, the roadmap highlights new investment opportunities through cooperation between satellite providers and mobile network operators (MNOs), primarily through shared spectrum usage to increase the effectiveness of Nigeria’s national spectrum management.
Utilisation of LEO, GEO to close Nigeria’s broadband gap
The NCC’s roadmap heavily emphasises the use of Low-Earth Orbit (LEO) satellites as a solution to close Nigeria’s broadband gap.
The document states that millions of Nigerians who currently lack dependable connectivity will be able to access high-speed internet through LEO satellites in some of the nation’s most isolated areas.
The Commission states that, in addition to LEO systems such as Starlink, it intends to investigate new high-altitude platforms, such as stratospheric balloons, and maximise the use of Geostationary Orbit (GEO) satellites.
It is anticipated that these technologies will facilitate mobile backhaul solutions and provide broadband access to remote and hard-to-reach areas where it is not cost-effective to lay fibre or build towers.
Digital divide despite investment in fibre and mobile infrastructure
Nigeria has one of the world’s largest populations without internet access, and despite years of investments in fibre and mobile infrastructure, rural broadband penetration still lags behind that of urban areas.
The NCC is working on faster and cheaper ways to provide internet access for everyone by officially including D2D, LEO satellites, and other non-ground networks in its plans for managing radio frequencies.
Supportive regulation could reduce coverage gaps, improve nationwide network reliability, and accelerate the commercial rollout of satellite-backed mobile services for operators.
Benefits for customers
Customers may benefit from enhanced emergency communications, better connectivity in remote locations, and new digital services in public safety, logistics, and agriculture.
Techpression reported that Airtel Africa and SpaceX recently inked a historic deal to implement Starlink direct-to-cell services throughout several African nations, including Nigeria.
Nigeria is already home to authorised satellite broadband providers, and Starlink’s entry has increased market competition.
Future spectrum auctions, licensing policies, and technology adoption in the telecom industry are anticipated to be guided by the NCC’s Spectrum Roadmap (2025–2030).
Analysts anticipate greater cooperation between MNOs and satellite companies as Nigeria strives to achieve its national broadband and digital economy goals.