By 
By Osasome C.O
NCC Clears New Satellite Operators to Expand Space-Based Broadband
The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) has issued seven-year satellite operating permits to Amazon’s Project Kuiper, Israel-based NSLComm’s BeetleSat, and Germany’s Satelio IoT Services,. This will significantly expand Nigeria’s space-based broadband ecosystem. The approvals place the new entrants alongside Elon Musk-owned SpaceX (Starlink) as licensed operators in Africa’s largest telecommunications market.
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According to the NCC, the permits were granted under its Commercial Satellite Communications Guidelines (CSCG). The CSCG is a licensing framework aimed at attracting investment and accelerating broadband penetration through next-generation satellite technologies.
Opening Nigeria to Next-Generation NGSO Systems
According to the regulator, the decision advances its strategy to open Nigeria’s market to non-geostationary satellite orbit (NGSO) systems. It particularly focuses on Low-Earth Orbit (LEO) constellations that can deliver high-speed, low-latency broadband services.
In a statement posted on X, the Office of the Special Adviser on Social Media to the President of Nigeria noted that the licences will enable the companies to provide non-geostationary satellite broadband services across Nigeria, boosting competition and improving connectivity in underserved and remote areas.
“These licences signal a major push to expand internet access, enhance competition with providers like Starlink, and improve nationwide connectivity,” the office said.
The licences are valid from February 28, 2026, to February 28, 2033.
Details of the Approved Satellite Systems
The NCC disclosed that the operators were granted Ka-band spectrum for their frequency operations:
- Amazon Project Kuiper: Approved to deliver Ka-band services via its planned 3,236-satellite constellation between 2026 and 2033.
- NSLComm BeetleSat: Licensed to operate its 264-satellite BeetleSat-1 network over Nigerian territory from 2026.
- Satelio IoT Services: Granted approval for its planned 491-satellite IoT-focused constellation, although only one satellite is currently in orbit.
In addition, Satelio IoT received approval covering S-band operations, valid from February 28, 2024, to February 28, 2030.
The NCC said the permits align with global best practices and support its goal of fast-tracking satellite broadband expansion in Nigeria.
What the Licences Mean for Broadband Expansion in Nigeria
Bridging the Digital Divide
The entry of Amazon Kuiper, BeetleSat, and Satelio IoT is expected to significantly improve connectivity in rural and hard-to-reach areas, where fibre deployment is costly or impractical. More than 23 million Nigerians are estimated to live in areas with poor or no internet coverage—gaps that LEO satellite systems are well positioned to fill.
Infrastructure and Investment Boost
The approvals are likely to stimulate investment in ground infrastructure, including earth stations and user terminals, strengthening Nigeria’s overall telecommunications capacity.
Expanded Use Cases
Beyond consumer broadband, the new licences enable a wide range of services, including:
- Fixed Satellite Services (FSS) for homes, businesses, and government institutions
- Mobile Satellite Services (MSS) for emergency and portable communications
- Connectivity for Moving Platforms, such as ships, aircraft, and vehicles, benefiting logistics, aviation, and maritime sectors
Intensifying Competition in Satellite Internet Services
Challenging Starlink’s Early Lead
Starlink, currently the dominant satellite internet provider in Nigeria, is expected to face strong competition—particularly from Amazon’s Project Kuiper, which plans to deliver speeds of up to 400 Mbps. Increased rivalry is expected to drive innovation and service improvements.
More Choice for Consumers and Businesses
With multiple satellite operators in the market, consumers and enterprises are likely to benefit from competitive pricing, improved reliability, and differentiated service offerings.
Specialized Market Focus
While Amazon is expected to integrate Kuiper with Amazon Web Services (AWS) for enterprise and government clients, Satelio IoT is positioning itself squarely in the Internet of Things (IoT) segment, offering specialized connectivity for industrial and sensor-based applications.
Impact on Traditional Internet Service Providers
The expansion of satellite broadband is expected to place additional pressure on traditional ISPs, many of which already face intense competition from mobile network operators.
Industry analysts note that smaller ISPs may need to:
- Focus on niche markets
- Upgrade service quality
- Partner with satellite operators for last-mile connectivity
Without targeted policy support, market consolidation is likely to continue, with large ISPs and satellite providers capturing a growing share of subscribers.
Aligning with National Broadband Goals
The NCC stated these approvals are a strategic step to attract vital foreign investment and align the country with global NGSO standards. This initiative is a core part of Nigeria’s plan to accelerate progress toward achieving its national broadband access targets.
Nigeria has licensed multiple global satellite operators, solidifying its position as a key hub for next-generation satellite communications in Africa. This strategic move is poised to reshape internet access, foster market competition, and accelerate digital inclusion across the nation.
