The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) has granted operating licences to three additional satellite internet providers as part of efforts to expand broadband coverage, improve service quality and strengthen competition in Nigeria’s connectivity market.
The licences were issued to Amazon’s Project Kuiper, BeetleSat-1 and Germany-based Satelio IoT Services, enabling them to deliver internet services via satellite infrastructure. The move underscores the regulator’s strategy to leverage space-based technologies to extend connectivity to underserved and hard-to-reach areas of the country.
According to the regulator, NCC approved seven-year licences for the operators, valid from February 28, 2026 to February 28, 2033, with an option for renewal upon expiration. All three operators were assigned the Ka-Band frequency spectrum for their satellite operations in Nigeria.
Amazon’s Project Kuiper, now branded as Amazon LEO, is the company’s Low Earth Orbit satellite initiative designed to deliver high-speed, low-latency broadband services to communities beyond the reach of terrestrial networks. The NCC’s landing permit authorises the company to operate its space segment in Nigeria as part of a global constellation of up to 3,236 satellites, positioning it to compete directly with Starlink, currently the most prominent LEO satellite internet provider in the country.
BeetleSat-1, formerly known as NSLComm, is developing a 250-satellite Low Earth Orbit constellation aimed at providing high-throughput satellite internet, cellular backhaul and mobility services globally. Satelio IoT Services, meanwhile, received approval for its planned 491-satellite Internet-of-Things system, although only one satellite is currently in orbit.
The Commission said the approvals align with global best practices and reflect Nigeria’s openness to next-generation broadband providers. The licences also provide legal certainty for the new entrants to invest in ground infrastructure, build local partnerships and pursue enterprise and government contracts within Nigeria.
Amazon’s Kuiper network is expected to deliver three categories of satellite services in the Nigerian market: Fixed Satellite Service, Mobile Satellite Service and Earth Stations at Sea. Fixed Satellite Service will support broadband connectivity for homes, businesses, telecom base stations and government institutions, while Mobile Satellite Service will cater to users requiring connectivity on the move. Earth Stations at Sea will extend high-speed broadband to aircraft, ships, trains and other moving platforms, with applications across aviation, maritime, logistics and transport sectors.
BeetleSat was founded in Israel, where its antenna technology was developed with support from the Israel Space Agency. In 2021, the company entered a strategic partnership with Spain-based technology group Arquimea, which is now its largest shareholder and principal industrial partner.
With the entry of the new satellite operators, industry observers expect increased competition in Nigeria’s satellite broadband segment, broader service options for consumers and enterprises, and accelerated progress towards closing the country’s digital connectivity gaps.
