The Nigerian Communications Commission is pushing a major connectivity drive aimed at expanding internet access across the country.

At the centre of its 2026–2030 Spectrum Roadmap is the introduction of satellite-to-phone technology to improve broadband access in both urban and rural areas.

Satellite Technology to Bridge Connectivity Gap

The new system is designed to deliver direct internet access to mobile phones, especially in remote areas with limited telecom infrastructure.

It is also expected to improve network reliability, serving as a backup during fibre cuts, power outages, or other disruptions.

The NCC sees this as a key tool to close Nigeria’s digital divide and bring millions of underserved communities online.

Ambitious 5G and Broadband Targets

Under the roadmap, Nigeria’s 5G coverage is expected to rise from about 13% to 50% by 2030.

The country’s broadband ecosystem is also projected to expand significantly within the next five years.

Satellite-based services, alongside traditional mobile networks, are expected to play a major role in achieving these targets.

Fibre Infrastructure to Support Growth

A major part of the plan includes Project Bridge, a 90,000km fibre backbone initiative aimed at strengthening connectivity nationwide.

The project recently secured $100 million in additional funding from the European Investment Bank, bringing total investment to about $600 million.

This infrastructure is expected to complement satellite services and improve overall network capacity.

Rising Internet Usage Expected

The NCC projects that internet users could reach 200 million by 2030, reflecting rapid digital adoption.

Average data consumption per user is expected to increase from 8.5GB to 17.7GB, while total internet traffic is projected to more than double.

The 4G network is also expected to expand to about 96% coverage, further boosting access.

Spectrum Expansion and Industry Growth

To support rising demand, the roadmap outlines plans to expand available telecom spectrum.

Total assignable spectrum for mobile services is expected to grow from 1.07 GHz to about 3.8 GHz by 2030.

The NCC also plans to introduce more flexible licensing to encourage greater participation from telecom operators.

Challenges Remain

Despite the ambitious targets, challenges such as infrastructure vandalism, high operating costs, and licensing hurdles remain.

The NCC says it will promote cost-effective technologies and new business models to make rural broadband expansion more viable.

Signs of Progress

Recent industry data shows steady growth in Nigeria’s telecom sector.

As of January 2026, about 83.2% of phone users had internet access, with total subscribers rising to 182.2 million.

The figures suggest Nigeria is making progress, even as it works toward more ambitious connectivity goals.