The strategy is aimed at extending connectivity to an estimated 23 million Nigerians who remain without internet access, particularly in rural, remote and hard-to-reach communities where conventional network rollout has proven difficult or commercially unattractive.
The Commission outlined the plan on Wednesday during its virtual presentation of the Q4 2025 Industry Performance Report, stressing that satellite technologies—especially Low Earth Orbit (LEO) systems—are increasingly vital to achieving nationwide broadband coverage. According to the NCC, economic constraints, challenging geography and security concerns continue to limit the reach of traditional mobile networks in many parts of the country.
Senior officials explained that the USPF would be used to subsidise satellite broadband deployment in areas deemed commercially unviable, ensuring that services remain affordable for underserved populations rather than being concentrated in major urban centres. Any incentives provided under the fund, the Commission noted, would be strictly tied to coverage in unserved and underserved locations.
The regulator acknowledged that while Nigeria has recorded steady progress in 4G and 5G deployment, terrestrial broadband expansion alone cannot deliver universal access. It pointed out that the physics of spectrum—particularly the mid-band frequencies used for 5G—results in smaller coverage areas and significantly higher rollout costs outside densely populated cities.
By contrast, satellite broadband offers a complementary solution, capable of delivering connectivity across remote communities, highways and difficult terrain without the need for extensive ground infrastructure. LEO satellite systems, in particular, were highlighted for their ability to provide lower-latency services over wide geographic areas.
As part of its broader satellite engagement, the NCC recently issued a landing permit to Amazon’s Project Kuiper and confirmed ongoing discussions with other satellite operators. These talks also extend to Direct-to-Device (D2D) services, which could enable mobile phones to connect directly to satellites in locations without terrestrial network coverage.
The Commission said current consultations are focused on efficient spectrum utilisation, preventing market distortion and determining whether certain satellite services should prioritise rural deployment or operate on a nationwide basis.
The Universal Service Provision Fund, established under the Nigerian Communications Act (NCA) No. 19 of 2003 and administered by the NCC, is a federal government initiative designed to promote universal access to information and communication technologies, particularly for underserved and disadvantaged communities.