NCC Targets 23.3m Nigerians for Satellite-to-Phone Coverage

Nigeria’s telecom regulator is preparing a new path to reach people beyond mobile towers. The Nigerian Communications Commission says it plans to introduce a satellite-to-phone service to connect about 23.3 million Nigerians who still lack reliable network access. The proposal aims to bring calls, texts and data to remote communities where traditional infrastructure struggles to reach.

The plan appears in a consultation paper released by the NCC. The document explains that standard smartphones could soon connect directly to satellites. This satellite-to-phone service, also known as direct-to-device connectivity, would work without nearby cell towers. As a result, coverage gaps in difficult terrain may finally shrink.

The regulator’s 2024 cluster gap study identified 87 areas with weak or absent service. Therefore, the NCC is now asking industry stakeholders to help shape rules for deployment. It wants to ensure fair competition, efficient spectrum use and strong consumer protection as satellite-to-phone service enters the market.

“NCC is exploring a mix of approaches tailored to specific locations and operational conditions to achieve national connectivity objectives,” the consultation paper states. It adds that stakeholder input will guide regulation, spectrum planning and network rollout for satellite-to-phone service in Nigeria.

Why Satellites are Now on The Table

Advances in non-terrestrial networks have made direct satellite connections more practical. Consequently, regulators across the world are studying how to blend satellite and mobile networks. In Nigeria, this push aligns with the NCC’s 2025–2030 Spectrum Roadmap, which lists non-terrestrial networks as key to future connectivity.

Industry activity has also raised momentum. Airtel Africa recently signed an agreement with SpaceX to deliver Starlink-powered direct-to-cell services in Nigeria. The partnership plans to launch texting and limited data services from more than 650 satellites starting in 2026. This makes Airtel the first African operator to introduce Starlink direct-to-cell technology, targeting underserved Nigerian regions.

The urgency is clear. Nearly half of Nigeria’s 233 million people live in rural areas. About 105 million residents in these regions have little or no internet access. Meanwhile, roughly 23 million Nigerians remain completely unconnected. High costs, scattered villages, poor electricity and security concerns slow tower expansion. As a result, operators continue to prioritise urban centres where returns arrive faster.

Satellite-to-phone service offers a different route. It avoids expensive ground infrastructure. It also reaches locations where fibre and base stations are difficult to deploy. Therefore, policymakers see it as a cheaper way to close rural blackspots and support national broadband goals.

The NCC’s consultation opened on 12 January 2026. Decisions from the process will define technology standards, performance targets and operating rules. If approved, satellite-to-phone service could reshape how Nigerians in remote communities make calls, send messages and access the internet.