Nigerian telecommunications regulator, the Nigerian Communications Commission, NCC, says it was time to use satellite technology to expand mobile network coverage to an estimated 23.3 million Nigerians.
The Commission believes that this number of the Nigerian population are currently lacking reliable access to terrestrial networks.
The initiative, according to the leading regulatory agency, will deploy satellite-to-phone services also known as direct-to-device or direct-to-cell connectivity allowing standard smartphones to connect directly to satellites for voice calls, text messaging, and mobile data, without the need for traditional cell towers.
NCC said the move is designed to bridge connectivity gaps in remote and hard-to-reach areas where installing conventional infrastructure is difficult or economically unviable. Millions of Nigerians, particularly in rural communities, still struggle with poor or non-existent mobile coverage.
“By adopting satellite-based connectivity, we aim to accelerate progress toward universal telecommunications access, improve digital inclusion, and support socio-economic development across the country,” the Commission stated.
The initiative aligns with the Federal Government’s digital economy agenda and ongoing efforts to ensure that no Nigerian community is left behind in the nation’s telecommunications expansion.
With satellite-to-phone technology, the NCC hopes to revolutionise mobile access, enabling communication, education, and economic opportunities in regions previously underserved by traditional mobile networks.
