Nigeria’s satellite broadband landscape is widening as the Nigerian Communications Commission moves to deepen connectivity beyond the reach of fibre and mobile networks. In a decisive step, the regulator has cleared two additional global satellite internet players to operate in the country, reinforcing its push to unlock digital access nationwide.

Fresh Licences, Broader Reach

Under the new approvals, BeetleSat 1 and Satelio IoT Services secured seven year operating licences running from February 2026 to February 2033. Consequently, the permits aim to scale satellite broadband capacity while aligning Nigeria’s telecom market with international operating standards.

Why Satellite Still Matters
Notably, more than 23 million Nigerians remain in unserved or underserved locations, while mobile broadband penetration hovers slightly above 50 per cent. As a result, satellite platforms continue to fill the gaps left by terrestrial infrastructure, especially in rural and hard to reach areas.

BeetleSat’s Global Play

Meanwhile, BeetleSat 1, operated by NSLComm, is building a low Earth orbit constellation of 264 satellites to deliver high throughput, low latency internet and mobility services worldwide.

In addition, its partnership with Spain’s Arquimea strengthens its industrial base, with the NCC granting the operator a Ka band frequency licence.

Satelio’s IoT Ambition

At the same time, Germany based Satelio IoT Services enters the Nigerian market with plans for a 491 satellite system focused on Internet of Things connectivity.

Although only one satellite is currently in orbit, the licence positions the firm to support agriculture, logistics, and industrial monitoring across the country.

Competition Heats Up

Furthermore, the new approvals add momentum to an already competitive satellite broadband space. Operators are now expected to invest in ground infrastructure, forge local partnerships, and pursue enterprise demand as Nigeria opens its market to next generation non geostationary satellite systems.

Aligned with a Bigger Strategy

Importantly, the move follows the NCC’s recent clearance for Amazon’s Project Kuiper constellation and builds on the presence of SpaceX’s Starlink, now one of Nigeria’s largest internet service providers by subscriber numbers.

Next on the Horizon

Ultimately, by welcoming new satellite operators, the NCC is reshaping Nigeria’s digital map, using space based connectivity to push coverage deeper, widen choice, and strengthen the country’s position in the evolving global satellite economy.