Six Internet Providers Approved by NCC to Expand Nigeria’s Satellite Broadband Market

Nigeria's telecommunications landscape transforms as the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) approves six new internet service providers (ISPs) to operate from January 2026. This strategic move targets the expanding satellite broadband market, addressing connectivity gaps in rural and urban areas alike.

Users now gain access to more options, promising faster speeds, competitive pricing, and improved reliability. The approvals raise the total number of licensed ISPs to 231, intensifying competition against established players like Starlink, Spectranet, and Smile.

Industry experts hail this development as a game-changer. NCC aims to bridge the digital divide, where over 23 million Nigerians lack reliable internet. Satellite broadband emerges as a key solution, bypassing traditional infrastructure challenges like fiber optic limitations in remote regions.

The new providers bring innovative technologies, including low-Earth orbit (LEO) satellites, to deliver high-speed connections directly to homes and businesses.

New Internet Providers Approved by NCC: The Full List

NCC's latest approvals include a mix of local innovators and global giants. Each provider receives a five-year license, effective from January 1, 2026. Here is the list:

• Intellvision Technologies Limited (Lagos): Focuses on advanced fiber and wireless solutions for urban enterprises.
• Granet Technologies Limited (Lagos): pecializes in affordable broadband for small businesses and households.
• Fiber Sonic Limited (Lagos): Emphasizes high-speed fiber optics combined with satellite backups for seamless connectivity.
• Dasol Solution Services Limited (Lagos): Offers integrated services, including VoIP and data management, targeting education and healthcare sectors.
• Boost ISP Limited (Lagos): Prioritizes mobile broadband enhancements, appealing to on-the-go users.
• Amazon Kuiper Nigeria Limited (Lagos): Brings satellite expertise from Amazon's Project Kuiper, deploying LEO satellites for nationwide coverage.

These providers concentrate in Lagos, Nigeria's commercial hub, but plan nationwide rollouts. Amazon Kuiper stands out as the satellite broadband heavyweight, directly competing with Starlink.

How NCC-Approved Satellite Broadband Providers Expand Market Access

Satellite broadband revolutionizes internet delivery. Providers beam signals from space to ground receivers, eliminating the need for extensive ground infrastructure. NCC's approvals empower these ISPs to tap into this technology, expanding access to underserved areas. Amazon Kuiper, for instance, leverages a constellation of over 3,000 LEO satellites to offer speeds up to 400 Mbps with low latency under 100 ms.

Users in rural Nigeria benefit most. Traditional providers struggle with terrain and cost barriers, but satellite options overcome these. NCC reports that broadband penetration stands at 48% as of late 2025, with goals to reach 70% by 2030.

The new entrants accelerate this by introducing competitive plans. Boost ISP and Fiber Sonic integrate satellite with fixed wireless, providing hybrid solutions for reliable service during outages.

Competition drives innovation. Starlink, with 66,000 Nigerian subscribers by end-2025, faces rivals offering similar or better value. Amazon Kuiper promises affordable kits starting at $200, undercutting Starlink's $350 hardware. This pushes all providers to enhance customer service and network quality.

Benefits of New NCC-Approved Internet Providers for Users

Consumers reap immediate rewards from NCC's decision. Lower prices top the list—analysts predict a 15-20% drop in broadband costs within the first year. Intellvision and Granet target budget-conscious users with entry-level plans under N10,000 monthly for 50 Mbps speeds.

Enhanced speeds transform daily life. Remote workers enjoy lag-free video calls, while students access online resources without interruptions. Dasol Solution Services integrates educational tools, supporting e-learning in schools. Businesses gain from Boost ISP's enterprise packages, featuring secure VPNs and cloud integration.

Reliability improves too. Satellite providers like Amazon Kuiper minimize downtime, even in adverse weather. NCC mandates quality standards, ensuring all new ISPs meet minimum speed thresholds. This fosters trust, encouraging more Nigerians to adopt digital services.

Impact on Nigeria's Satellite Broadband Market Competition

NCC's approvals inject fresh competition into a market dominated by a few. Starlink leads satellite broadband, but Amazon Kuiper challenges it head-on. Kuiper's seven-year landing permit, effective February 2026, allows operations across Ka-band frequencies for fixed and mobile services.

Other global players enter too. NCC recently licensed BeetleSat-1 and Satelio IoT Services, adding diversity. BeetleSat deploys 264 satellites for high-capacity broadband, while Satelio focuses on IoT for smart agriculture and logistics. Together, these expand the ecosystem beyond Starlink's 4,000+ satellites.

Local providers adapt. Spectranet and Smile, fiber-based leaders, now incorporate satellite tech to stay competitive. This hybrid approach appeals to urban users seeking redundancy. Overall, the market grows, with projections estimating 10 million new broadband subscribers by 2028.

Economic boosts follow. Improved connectivity supports Nigeria's $1 trillion digital economy goal. Sectors like e-commerce, fintech, and telemedicine thrive. NCC's move aligns with national broadband plans, prioritizing rural inclusion.

Why These NCC Approvals Matter for Nigeria's Digital Future

NCC's six new approvals mark a pivotal shift. They empower users with choices, driving down costs and upping quality. Satellite broadband, led by Amazon Kuiper, closes gaps in a nation where connectivity fuels progress.

This initiative supports sustainable development. Enhanced internet access boosts education, health, and business. As competition heats up, Nigerians enjoy world-class services at local prices.