NCC Champions Satellite D2D Technology to Bridge Nigeria’s Connectivity Divide
The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) has formally proposed the adoption of Satellite Direct-to-Device (D2D) connectivity as a strategic solution to address persistent coverage gaps. An estimated 23.3 million Nigerians remain underserved by terrestrial mobile networks, a challenge the regulator aims to overcome through this innovative approach. This initiative is detailed in a new consultation paper published on the Commission’s website, outlining the rationale for integrating satellite-enabled services into the national communications framework.
The NCC’s push for Satellite D2D is driven by data from national connectivity assessments, global technological evolution, and the recognized limitations of ground-based infrastructure alone. Advances in non-terrestrial network technologies now allow standard mobile devices to connect directly to satellites, presenting a viable path to extend coverage and ensure service continuity. This direction aligns with the Commission’s statutory mandate to provide accessible, reliable, and efficient communications services across the entire nation.
A pivotal 2024 cluster gap study conducted by the Universal Service Provision Fund (USPF) identified 87 clusters affecting approximately 23.37 million people, highlighting areas where connectivity challenges are most acute. The NCC emphasizes that achieving universal access objectives will likely require a hybrid of technologies, tailored to specific locations and use cases, rather than reliance on a single network model. This multi-faceted strategy is crucial for a nation where diverse projects, from infrastructure developments like the EU provided €1.5m for initiatives to community efforts such as Delta: Rhiess donates, rely on robust connectivity. Even as regions like Ogun records 502 in new network deployments, nationwide gaps persist.
The consultation process seeks critical stakeholder input on introducing D2D services in a manner that promotes universal access while safeguarding competition, spectrum efficiency, and consumer protection. This feedback will guide the NCC’s assessment of spectrum demand and inform a future regulatory framework. The move builds on earlier policy signals positioning D2D as a key technology for coverage expansion between 2025 and 2030, aligning Nigeria with global regulatory trends and International Telecommunication Union studies ahead of the World Radiocommunication Conference 2027.
This focus on foundational connectivity comes at a time when national discourse spans various sectors, from political commentary like 2027: Obi slams current policies to cultural exports like Nollywood: Top 10 movies. The NCC’s satellite D2D proposal represents a concrete step toward ensuring that all Nigerians, regardless of location, can participate in the digital economy and access vital information services.
