In a recent announcement, the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) revealed that these licences will allow both companies to offer non-geostationary satellite broadband services in Nigeria starting in 2026.
The issuance of these licences marks a significant step towards enhancing internet access in the country, fostering competition with existing providers like Starlink, and improving connectivity in underserved and remote regions of Africa’s largest telecom market.
Details on the NCC’s website confirm that the licences will be effective from February 28, 2026, to February 28, 2033. The commission has allocated Ka-Band spectrum for the frequency operations of these new satellite operators.
Amazon’s Project Kuiper has been granted a landing permit for its satellite constellation, which will consist of up to 3,236 satellites aimed at providing broadband services over Nigerian territory beginning in 2026.
Similarly, BeetleSat has secured a landing permit for its BeetleSat-1 Constellation, comprising 264 satellites, which is set to commence operations in Nigeria from 2026. This approval is valid for S-band operations from February 28, 2024, to February 28, 2030.
Additionally, the NCC has issued a landing permit for Satelio’s constellation of 491 satellites, allowing them to deliver signals over Nigeria. However, only one of their satellites has been launched to date.
The NCC emphasises that these approvals align with global best practices and aim to enhance Nigeria’s connectivity landscape.
