The Nigerian Communications Commission is advocating for the adoption of Satellite Direct-to-Device connectivity to address persistent coverage gaps affecting an estimated 23.3 million Nigerians who remain underserved by mobile networks.
In a consultation paper published on its website, the regulator highlighted the key reasons for embracing satellite-enabled direct mobile connectivity.
The paper indicates that the NCC’s push for D2D services is informed by national connectivity assessments, emerging technology trends, and the limitations of relying exclusively on terrestrial infrastructure to achieve universal network access.
The Commission stated that advances in satellite and non-terrestrial network technologies now enable mobile devices to connect directly to satellites, opening new opportunities to expand coverage and enhance service continuity.
The NCC noted that its support for Satellite D2D connectivity aligns with its statutory mandate to provide accessible, reliable, and efficient communications services throughout Nigeria.
“Findings from the Commission’s 2024 cluster gap study conducted by the Universal Service Provision Fund (USPF), which identified 87 clusters affecting approximately 23.37 million people, highlight areas where connectivity challenges persist and where multiple solutions may be relevant,” it said.
The Commission added that meeting national connectivity goals will likely require a mix of approaches, tailored to specific use cases, locations, and operational conditions, rather than relying on a single network model.
The NCC stated that it is seeking input from stakeholders on how such services can be rolled out to support universal access while ensuring competition, spectrum efficiency, and consumer protection.
The Commission said the consultation, which began on January 12, 2026, aims to gather evidence-based input on potential use cases, benefits, risks, and public-interest considerations for D2D services in Nigeria.
It added that the process will also help collect stakeholder views on suitable technologies and network architectures, including expected performance standards and deployment considerations.
