NCC TO USE UNIVERSAL SERVICE FUND TO BOOST SATELLITE BROADBAND FOR 23 MILLION NIGERIANS
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The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) has announced plans to deploy part of its Universal Service Provision Fund (USPF) to support satellite broadband operators, targeting approximately 23 million Nigerians who remain offline.
Unveiling the initiative during a virtual presentation of its Q4 2025 Industry Performance Report, the NCC highlighted the role of satellite technologies—particularly Low Earth Orbit (LEO) systems—in connecting rural and hard-to-reach communities where terrestrial mobile networks face economic, geographic, or security challenges.
Senior officials explained that USPF subsidies will be used to make satellite broadband affordable in commercially unviable areas, ensuring services reach underserved populations rather than being concentrated in urban centres. “We encourage satellite operators to focus on areas where market forces alone cannot deliver affordable services,” the commission said, noting that incentives will be tied strictly to coverage in unserved and underserved locations.
The NCC emphasized the limitations of traditional 4G and 5G deployments, citing smaller coverage footprints and high rollout costs in low-density regions due to the physics of mid-band spectrum. In contrast, satellite broadband provides coverage across remote communities, highways, and challenging terrain without extensive ground infrastructure.
The regulator has already issued a landing permit to Amazon’s Project Kuiper and is in ongoing consultations with other satellite providers, including discussions on Direct-to-Device (D2D) services that could enable mobile phones to connect directly to satellites.
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The USPF, established under the Nigerian Communications Act No. 19 of 2003, promotes universal access to ICTs through subsidies, infrastructure projects, digital inclusion programs, and ICT skills training. By extending support to satellite broadband, the NCC aims to ensure Nigeria’s remaining offline population can participate in the digital economy.
Acknowledging challenges such as insecurity, vandalism, and fibre cuts, the NCC said telecom infrastructure has been designated as Critical National Information Infrastructure (CNII) and is now under enhanced protection in collaboration with security agencies. Satellite solutions, combined with spectrum refarming and stronger infrastructure protection, are expected to improve nationwide service continuity.
The NCC also urged media organizations to rely on official reports when evaluating coverage and technology adoption, cautioning against misinterpretation of limited 5G subscriber data. Officials reiterated the commission’s commitment to continued engagement as Nigeria advances its broadband and digital inclusion targets.
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