NCC Launches Public Consultation on Satellite Direct‑to‑Device Connectivity in Nigeria
By Eyo Nsima
The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) has launched a six‑week public consultation on the potential introduction of Satellite Direct‑to‑Device (D2D) connectivity in Nigeria.
The initiative invites input from telecom operators, device manufacturers, internet service providers, government agencies, civil society, and the public on how satellite mobile services could be regulated and deployed.
Satellite D2D technology allows mobile devices, including ordinary smartphones, to connect directly to satellites, bypassing conventional terrestrial networks.
This could expand access to communication services in remote, rural, and underserved areas, while improving network resilience during emergencies or infrastructure outages.
The consultation, which began on 12 January 2026 and will run until 23 February 2026, seeks stakeholders’ views on licensing, spectrum management, technical standards, and potential use cases.
The NCC emphasizes that the consultation is an exploratory step and does not represent a policy or licensing decision.
“The consultation is part of NCC’s commitment to fostering digital inclusion and ensuring that all Nigerians have access to reliable communication services,” the Commission said in its public notice.
The NCC will review submissions from stakeholders to inform the development of a regulatory framework for satellite D2D services, supporting competition, consumer protection, and sustainable sector growth.
For more information and to participate in the consultation, stakeholders are encouraged to visit the NCC website.
