The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) has launched a six-week public consultation to evaluate the introduction of direct-to-device (D2D) satellite services in Nigeria.
According to TechAfrica News, the NCC issued a formal notice last week inviting stakeholder input on a regulatory framework for D2D services under Section 71 of the Nigerian Communications Act 2003.
The regulator is seeking views on key issues including market opportunities, coexistence with terrestrial mobile networks, potential interference challenges, and licensing and spectrum management models. One area under review is whether D2D services could operate under existing terrestrial network licences.
The NCC is also assessing different technological approaches, including D2D services that use existing terrestrial spectrum versus those operating under mobile satellite services (MSS) spectrum.
Public interest considerations form a core part of the consultation, with the NCC examining safeguards such as emergency access, rural connectivity, and investment incentives.
The consultation is open to telecom licensees, device manufacturers, internet service providers, government agencies, civil society organisations, and consumers. Submissions will be accepted until February 23, 2026.
The move comes as Airtel Nigeria enters the D2D landscape through its parent company, Airtel Africa, which signed an agreement with SpaceX last month to roll out Starlink’s Direct to Cell low-earth orbit service across all 14 of its African markets in 2026, subject to regulatory approvals.
Airtel Nigeria already resells Starlink’s satellite broadband service under an earlier agreement between Airtel Africa and SpaceX signed in May 2025.
