Nigeria is set to take a major step toward improving nationwide connectivity as plans advance to introduce satellite-to-phone internet services aimed at reaching millions of unconnected citizens.
In a consultation document released on Tuesday, January 20, 2026, the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) said satellite technology would be deployed to bridge long-standing coverage gaps, particularly in rural and hard-to-reach areas where traditional mobile infrastructure is difficult or costly to build.
The Commission explained that the initiative forms part of the Federal Government’s broader objective of achieving universal access to voice and data services across the country. Through satellite-to-phone, also known as direct-to-device technology, ordinary mobile phones will be able to connect directly to satellites without relying on ground-based cell towers.
According to the NCC, the system will allow users to make calls, send text messages and access limited data services in areas with little or no mobile network coverage. Recent advancements in satellite and non-terrestrial network technology have made large-scale deployment feasible, offering new opportunities for communities cut off by geography, poor infrastructure or insecurity.
The regulator noted that the technology has the potential to significantly improve access in Nigeria’s most disconnected regions, stressing that satellite services are intended to complement existing terrestrial networks rather than replace them.
“This follows findings from the Commission’s 2024 cluster gap study, which identified 87 underserved connectivity clusters across the country,” the NCC said, adding that, “These gaps persist despite years of investment in terrestrial networks.”
As part of the process, the Commission has invited industry stakeholders to submit their views on how the satellite services should be introduced, with emphasis on fair competition, efficient spectrum use and consumer protection.
Industry developments suggest the service is close to becoming a reality. In December 2025, Airtel Africa announced a partnership with SpaceX’s Starlink to roll out direct-to-cell services in 14 African countries, including Nigeria. The service, expected to launch in 2026, will initially support text messaging and limited data using more than 650 low-Earth orbit satellites.
With over 59 million subscribers in Nigeria, Airtel is positioning itself as one of the first operators to introduce satellite-powered mobile services in the country.
The NCC’s 2025–2030 Spectrum Roadmap had earlier identified non-terrestrial networks as a key addition to Nigeria’s mobile ecosystem. Despite broadband penetration standing at about 50 percent, a significant portion of Nigeria’s estimated 233 million population remains offline. Nearly half of Nigerians live in rural areas, with around 23 million people completely unconnected and over 60 percent lacking reliable access.
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Telecom operators have faced persistent challenges expanding into these regions due to high deployment costs, scattered settlements, unreliable power supply, difficult terrain and security concerns. While solutions such as solar-powered base stations have reduced costs, wide coverage gaps remain.
Satellite-to-phone services are now being viewed as a faster and more cost-effective way to connect Nigeria’s remaining network blackspots.
In a related development, competition in Nigeria’s satellite internet market is expected to intensify. On February 28, 2026, regulatory approval was granted to Project Kuiper, Amazon’s satellite broadband initiative, allowing it to begin operations in Nigeria from 2026 using a planned constellation of more than 3,000 low-Earth orbit satellites.
As satellite technology gains momentum, millions of Nigerians who have long remained offline may soon gain access to basic communication services directly from space.