The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) has signalled a significant shift in the country’s telecom strategy by prioritising Direct‑to‑Device (D2D) satellite connectivity as a cornerstone of its 2025–2030 Spectrum Roadmap, aimed at expanding mobile voice and data coverage across the nation.
The draft roadmap identifies non‑terrestrial networks, particularly satellite‑powered services, as a key complement to traditional mobile infrastructure — offering a new path to reach millions of Nigerians who lack reliable connectivity due to geography, coverage gaps, high deployment costs, and security challenges.
What the NCC’s Strategy Means
Under the proposed framework, D2D satellite services could deliver voice and data directly to standard mobile phones without dependence on cell towers or ground‑based infrastructure, using Low‑Earth Orbit (LEO), Geostationary Orbit (GEO) satellites, and other high‑altitude platforms.
The NCC said this technology has the potential to:
Extend coverage to rural, riverine, border, and remote communities that traditional networks cannot cost‑effectively serve.
Improve resilience of mobile networks during fibre cuts, power outages or emergencies that disrupt terrestrial systems.
Support public safety, disaster response, smart agriculture, digital logistics, and Internet of Things (IoT) applications in previously unconnected areas.
The regulator also highlighted opportunities for collaboration between mobile network operators (MNOs) and satellite providers, including shared spectrum use that can improve spectrum efficiency and nationwide access.
Nigeria currently has one of the world’s largest unconnected populations, with broadband access lagging dramatically behind in rural versus urban areas despite huge investments in fibre and mobile networks. By formally incorporating satellite‑to‑mobile connectivity into telecom planning, the NCC is laying groundwork for cost‑effective universal coverage and improved network reliability.
The roadmap comes amid a broader global trend in which satellite companies and telecom operators are deploying direct‑to‑phone technology. For example, Nigeria’s NASRDA signed a Memorandum of Understanding with China’s Galaxy Space earlier in 2025 to deploy D2D satellite communication services, an initiative expected to accelerate connectivity in underserved regions and support local capacity building.
Additionally, telecommunications firms such as Airtel Africa have entered agreements with satellite networks like SpaceX’s Starlink to bring Starlink‑powered direct‑to‑cell services into Nigeria and other African markets, aligning with the NCC’s strategic direction.
For micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs), improved connectivity means greater access to digital tools, online markets, mobile payment systems, cloud services, and remote operations particularly for businesses in rural or hard‑to‑reach areas. Enhanced network resilience also supports e‑commerce, logistics, fintech solutions, and remote work models, driving productivity and inclusion across sectors.
The NCC’s roadmap will guide future spectrum auctions, licensing decisions, and technology adoption policies, shaping the evolution of Nigeria’s digital ecosystem over the next five years.
