NCC to Subsidise Satellite Broadband to Connect 23 Million Nigerians
The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) has announced plans to use part of its Universal Service Provision Fund (USPF) to support satellite broadband operators, aiming to bridge Nigeria’s persistent connectivity gaps. The initiative targets approximately 23 million Nigerians who remain offline, particularly in rural and hard-to-reach locations. The announcement was made during the NCC’s virtual presentation of the Q4 2025 Industry Performance Report.
LEO Satellites to Complement Terrestrial Networks
Senior NCC officials highlighted the role of Low Earth Orbit (LEO) satellite systems in extending broadband coverage where traditional mobile networks face economic, geographic, and security limitations.
The regulator noted that USPF resources will be used to subsidise satellite broadband access in commercially unviable areas, ensuring services are affordable for rural populations rather than concentrated in urban centres.
“We encourage satellite operators to focus on areas where market forces alone cannot deliver affordable services,” NCC officials said, adding that USPF incentives will be tied to unserved and underserved locations.
Challenges of Terrestrial Broadband Expansion
While Nigeria continues to roll out 4G and 5G networks, the NCC noted that mid-band 5G frequencies have smaller coverage footprints and higher deployment costs in sparsely populated areas.
Satellite broadband offers a complementary solution, enabling coverage across:
- Remote communities
- Highways
- Difficult terrain
without extensive ground infrastructure.
The NCC recently issued a landing permit to Amazon’s Project Kuiper and is engaging other satellite providers to explore Direct-to-Device (D2D) services, which could allow phones to connect directly to satellites where terrestrial networks are unavailable.
Universal Service Provision Fund and Digital Inclusion
The USPF, established under the Nigerian Communications Act (NCA) No. 19 of 2003, is designed to promote universal access to ICTs. Its mandate includes:
- Subsidising rural and underserved telecommunications infrastructure
- Funding fibre-optic and base station deployments
- Supporting Digital Nigeria Centres and ICT skills programmes
- Promoting inclusion for vulnerable populations
By extending support to satellite broadband, the NCC aims to ensure that the remaining offline population is included in Nigeria’s digital economy.
Addressing Security and Infrastructure Challenges
The NCC acknowledged ongoing challenges affecting network expansion, including:
- Vandalism
- Fibre cuts
- Insecurity in rural areas
Telecom infrastructure has been designated as Critical National Information Infrastructure (CNII), with security enforcement in collaboration with federal agencies underway.
The commission believes that satellite solutions, low-band spectrum refarming, and stronger infrastructure protection will help close persistent coverage gaps and improve service continuity.
Ensuring Data Accuracy and Public Engagement
The NCC urged media and stakeholders to rely on official performance reports when interpreting coverage and technology adoption, warning against misleading conclusions from limited datasets, such as small 5G subscriber samples.
The regulator emphasised its commitment to clarity, consultation, and engagement as Nigeria pursues long-term broadband expansion and digital inclusion objectives.
