NCC bets on satellite tv for pc D2D to bridge connectivity hole for 23.3m Nigerians 

The Nigerian Communications Fee (NCC) is pushing for the adoption of Satellite tv for pc Direct-to-Gadget (D2D) connectivity as a response to persistent protection gaps affecting an estimated 23.3 million Nigerians who stay underserved by cell networks.

That is in keeping with a session paper printed on the Fee’s web site, the place the regulator outlined the underlying causes for embracing satellite-enabled direct cell connectivity.

The paper reveals that the NCC’s curiosity in D2D providers is pushed by proof from nationwide connectivity assessments, evolving expertise developments, and the constraints of relying solely on terrestrial infrastructure to attain common entry.

In response to the Fee, advances in satellite tv for pc and non-terrestrial community applied sciences now make it attainable for cell gadgets to attach on to satellites, creating new alternatives to increase protection, and enhance service continuity.

What the Fee is saying 

The NCC stated its inclination towards Satellite tv for pc D2D connectivity is guided by its statutory duty to make sure accessible, dependable, and environment friendly communications providers throughout Nigeria.

“Findings from the Fee’s 2024 cluster hole examine carried out by the Common Service Provision Fund (USPF), which recognized 87 clusters affecting roughly 23.37 million folks, spotlight areas the place connectivity challenges persist and the place a number of options could also be related,” it stated.

The Fee added that reaching nationwide connectivity goals might require a mix of approaches deployed in methods which are applicable to particular use instances, places, and operational situations, quite than dependence on a single community mannequin.

Business session 

The NCC stated it’s looking for stakeholder enter on how such providers will be launched in a method that helps common entry whereas safeguarding competitors, spectrum effectivity, and shopper safety.

• In response to the Fee, the session, which began on January 12, 2026 is geared toward getting evidence-based enter on potential use instances, advantages, dangers, and public-interest concerns related to D2D providers within the Nigerian context.
• It stated this could additionally assist the Fee to collect stakeholder views on appropriate applied sciences and community architectures, together with anticipated efficiency traits and deployment concerns

NCC stated this could additionally assist the regulator in its evaluation of potential spectrum demand, coexistence, and authorization concerns, forward of any regulatory framework for Satellite tv for pc D2D connectivity.

Backstory 

The session paper builds on earlier coverage alerts that time to a stronger position for satellite tv for pc providers in Nigeria’s communications technique.

In December, the NCC signalled a significant coverage shift towards satellite-powered cell connectivity, positioning Direct-to-Gadget providers as a key expertise for increasing protection between 2025 and 2030.

• This coverage route was outlined within the draft Spectrum Roadmap for the Communications Sector (2025–2030) printed by the Fee.
• The transfer got here simply weeks after Airtel Africa introduced a strategic settlement with SpaceX to ship Starlink-powered direct-to-cell providers in Nigeria and different Airtel working markets.
• The NCC’s roadmap positions non-terrestrial networks as a vital complement to conventional cell infrastructure in a rustic the place geography, safety challenges, and excessive deployment prices have left hundreds of thousands underserved.

What it is best to know 

Satellite tv for pc Direct-to-Gadget connectivity is gaining growing regulatory consideration globally as expertise blurs the road between satellite tv for pc and cell providers.

The NCC stated it’s aligning with worldwide developments, together with ongoing research on the Worldwide Telecommunication Union (ITU) forward of the World Radiocommunication Convention 2027.

These research are inspecting attainable new spectrum allocations to allow direct connectivity between satellites and commonplace cell gadgets to enrich terrestrial protection.