News
NCC licenses two eew satellite internet providers to boost connectivity
Nasiru Yusuf Ibrahim
The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) has licensed two additional global satellite internet service providers, BeetleSat-1 and Satelio IoT Services, in a move aimed at strengthening satellite broadband connectivity and enhancing competition in Nigeria’s telecommunications market.
KANO FOCUS reports that the seven-year licences, which take effect from February 28, 2026 to February 28, 2033, are intended to expand satellite broadband services across the country and align Nigeria’s communications sector with global best practices.
The approvals come against the backdrop of persistent connectivity gaps, with more than 23 million Nigerians living in unserved or underserved areas and mobile broadband penetration standing at 50.58 per cent as of November 2025. The development underscores the limitations of terrestrial networks in reaching rural and hard-to-access communities.
BeetleSat-1, operated by NSLComm, is an international satellite company with a multi-country corporate structure. The firm is developing a Low Earth Orbit (LEO) constellation of 264 satellites designed to deliver high-throughput, low-latency satellite internet, cellular backhaul and mobility services worldwide.
In 2021, BeetleSat formed a strategic alliance with Spanish technology group Arquimea, which has since become its largest shareholder and principal industrial partner. The NCC granted BeetleSat a Ka-Band frequency licence, which is renewable upon the expiration of the seven-year term.
Germany-based Satelio IoT Services was licensed for its planned 491-satellite Internet of Things (IoT) system, although only one satellite is currently in orbit. The approval positions the company to develop IoT connectivity solutions across Nigeria, supporting emerging applications in agriculture, logistics and industrial monitoring.
According to the NCC, the new licences will enable both operators to invest in ground infrastructure, build local partnerships and enter enterprise contracts, while expanding Nigeria’s role in the growing global space-based internet services market. The approvals align with the Commission’s commercial satellite communications guidelines, which are designed to attract investment and promote next-generation non-geostationary satellite (NGSO) systems.
The licences also follow the NCC’s recent approval of a landing permit for Amazon’s Kuiper Systems LLC under its Project Kuiper initiative. The permit authorises the deployment of up to 3,236 non-geostationary low Earth orbit satellites using Ka-band frequencies to provide fixed satellite services, mobile satellite services and earth stations in motion over the same seven-year period.
The new entrants join an increasingly competitive satellite broadband market in Nigeria. SpaceX’s Starlink, operating through Starlink Internet Service Nigeria Ltd, has already emerged as the country’s third-largest internet service provider. According to NCC subscriber statistics for the second quarter of 2025, Starlink recorded 66,523 subscribers, reflecting rapid growth since its entry into the Nigerian market in 2023.
Nasiru Yusuf Ibrahim
The Director General of the Telecommunications Regulatory Board (ART) of the Republic of Cameroon, Philemon Zoo Zame, on Wednesday visited the headquarters of the [Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) in Abuja for a benchmarking exercise aimed at strengthening regulatory collaboration and knowledge sharing between both countries.
KANO FOCUS reports that during the visit, the Cameroonian telecom regulator met with the Executive Vice Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of NCC, Aminu Maida.
A statement issued by Ayiabari A. Kigbara, Manager, Media Relations, Public Affairs Department of the NCC, said the engagement focused on exchanging ideas and best practices in telecommunications regulation, with emphasis on enhancing efficiency and development within the sector.
Nasiru Yusuf Ibrahim
Dangote Petroleum Refinery and Petrochemicals Limited has announced that its ex-depot price of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) remains unchanged, reaffirming its commitment to stability in Nigeria’s domestic energy market.
In a statement issued by Esan Sunday, Head of Media Relations, Branding and Communication, the company said sustaining the current price reflects its efforts to cushion the broader economy against external shocks. It noted that by absorbing prevailing cost pressures, the refinery is helping to moderate inflationary risks, promote energy affordability, and ensure uninterrupted fuel supply amid ongoing global uncertainties.
The company reiterated its dedication to the steady supply of high-quality petroleum products to the Nigerian market, while aligning with national objectives of price stability and energy security.
It also urged the public to rely solely on official communications from the refinery for accurate and up-to-date information regarding its operations and pricing.
Nasiru Yusuf Ibrahim
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has congratulated Alhaji Murtala Sule Garo on his emergence as the Deputy Governor of Kano State following his swearing-in on Tuesday.
KANO FOCUS reports that Garo was sworn in by Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf after being nominated to fill the vacancy created by the resignation of former deputy governor, Comrade Aminu Abdulsalam.
In a statement issued by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, the President described Garo’s appointment as a positive step toward strengthening unity within the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Kano State.
The President noted that the 48-year-old politician has held several public offices, including Chairman of Kabo Local Government Area and Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs during the administration of former governor Abdullahi Umar Ganduje. He also served as the APC governorship running mate in the 2023 general elections.
Tinubu commended Governor Yusuf for the appointment, urging political stakeholders in the state to rally behind the administration to ensure stability and progress.
He also called on the new deputy governor to work closely with the governor in delivering effective leadership and accelerating development in Kano State.
The President wished Garo success in his new role.
Cameroon telecom regulator visits NCC for benchmarking exercise
Dangote Refinery maintains ex-depot price of PMS
Tinubu congratulates Garo on appointment as Kano deputy governor
Ganduje acknowledges Sanusi II as Emir of Kano, 6 years after dethroning him
Gov. Yusuf to swear in Murtala Garo as Kano deputy governor Tuesday
Kano SUBEB disowns fake teachers’ recruitment results
Sarkin Fulanin Jaidinawa Abubakar Gwadabe Buhari dies, funeral set for Wednesday
Kano Judicial Commission sanctions Shariah Court Judges, other staff over misconduct
Tinubu nominates Kano’s Rabiu Umar as new NMDPRA chief
