By Emmanuel Thomas l Thursday, Jan.26
ABUJA, Nigeria – The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) has commenced a formal move to integrate Satellite Direct-to-Device (D2D) connectivity into the nation’s telecommunications ecosystem.
In a statement released via its official channels on Thursday, the Commission invited telecommunications stakeholders, technology experts, and the general public to participate in a public consultation aimed at exploring the potentials, risks, and public-interest considerations of the emerging technology.
Direct-to-Device (D2D) connectivity is a groundbreaking technology that allows standard smartphones to connect directly to satellites without the need for modified hardware or intermediate ground stations.
This technology is widely seen as a solution to bridge connectivity gaps in remote and underserved areas where traditional terrestrial mast infrastructure is difficult to deploy.
According to the Commission, the consultation is being conducted in line with its “participatory and transparency-driven regulatory approach.”
The NCC clarified that the current engagement is a preliminary step and does not yet constitute a formal rule-making process.
”This Consultation Paper represents a preliminary stakeholder engagement… prior to the activation of any formal rule-making process under Section 71 of the Nigerian Communications Act 2003,” the regulator stated.
The Commission further noted that the feedback gathered from the exercise would be instrumental in shaping the future of the industry.
“Feedback received will inform the Commission’s assessment and guide its decision-making on any regulatory framework on Satellite Direct-to-Device connectivity in Nigeria,” the statement added.
Interested parties have been directed to access the full Consultation Paper on the Commission’s official website (ncc.gov.ng) to study the technical requirements and provide informed submissions.
This move comes at a time when global satellite players like Starlink, Lynk, and AST SpaceMobile are increasingly looking at the African market to deploy D2D services, promising 100% geographic coverage for voice, data, and SMS services.
1. What is Satellite Direct-to-Device (D2D)?
Traditionally, satellite phones required bulky antennas and specialized hardware. D2D technology changes this by allowing regular LTE or 5G smartphones to communicate directly with low-earth orbit (LEO) satellites.
This is particularly useful for emergency services and for providing internet access to “dead zones” in rural Nigeria.
2. Regulatory Framework (Section 71 of the NCA 2003):
The Nigerian Communications Act (2003) empowers the NCC to make regulations for the industry. Section 71 specifically gives the Commission the power to issue, renew, or modify licenses.
By invoking this early, the NCC is ensuring that before D2D operators begin full commercial operations, there are clear rules regarding spectrum usage, interference, and national security.
3. The “Starlink” Factor:
Since the entry of SpaceX’s Starlink into the Nigerian market, there has been a heightened interest in satellite broadband.
While Starlink currently requires a satellite dish, the next phase of satellite evolution is “Direct-to-Cell,” which Starlink and other providers are already testing globally.
The NCC’s consultation ensures Nigeria is not caught off-guard by this technological shift.
4. Bridging the Digital Divide:
Nigeria still has over 100 “blind spots” where mobile signals are non-existent. Traditional telcos (MTN, Airtel, Glo) find it expensive to build towers in these sparsely populated areas.
Satellite D2D offers a cost-effective alternative to achieve the Federal Government’s goal of 90% broadband penetration by 2025.
