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
Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf has expressed deep sorrow over the death of former Kano State Commissioner of Finance and renowned academic, Professor Kabiru Isa Dandago.
KANO FOCUS reports that the governor’s reaction was contained in a statement issued on Wednesday by his spokesperson, Sunusi Bature Dawakin Tofa, Director General, Media and Publicity, Government House, Kano.
Governor Yusuf described the late Prof. Dandago as a dedicated public servant and accomplished scholar whose contributions to education and governance left lasting footprints in Kano State.
He noted that the former finance commissioner served the state with integrity and commitment and was widely respected for his professionalism, humility and passion for knowledge.
According to the governor, Kano State has lost a valuable son whose experience and wisdom greatly enriched both public service and the academic community.
Governor Yusuf extended his heartfelt condolences to the family of the deceased, the academic community and the people of Kano State over what he described as an irreparable loss.
He prayed that Almighty Allah forgives the shortcomings of the late Prof. Dandago, grants him Aljannatul Firdaus and gives his family and loved ones the fortitude to bear the loss.
Nasiru Yusuf Ibrahim
The National President of the Government Arabic Teachers College Gwale Old Students Association (GATCOSA), Professor Kabiru Isa Dandago, is dead.
KANO FOCUS reports that Prof. Dandago, a renowned Professor of Accountancy at Bayero University Kano, died on Wednesday evening. His passing has thrown the academic community and associates into mourning.
In a message shared on GATCOSA’s WhatsApp platform, a Director at the Kano State Ministry of Higher Education, Alhaji Nura Dandago, announced that the funeral prayer for the late professor would be held on Thursday at 9:00 a.m. at his residence in Rijiyar Zaki Quarters, Kano.
Until his death, Prof. Dandago served as the National President of GATCOSA and was widely respected for his contributions to education and public service. He previously served as Commissioner for Finance in Kano State during the administration of former Governor Abdullahi Umar Ganduje.
Just last Saturday, the late academic presented a paper on economic challenges in Northern Nigeria at a Ramadan Lecture organised by the Islamic Forum of Nigeria, where he spoke passionately about strategies for economic reform and regional development.
Colleagues and admirers described Prof. Dandago as a dedicated scholar and public servant who was deeply committed to building a prosperous and self-reliant nation. His death marks the end of a distinguished career in academia and public service.
Nasiru Yusuf Ibrahim
The basketball team of Bayero University Kano (BUK) has emerged champions of the Northwest 3×3 Basketball Championship hosted by Ahmadu Bello University (ABU), Zaria.
KANO FOCUS reports that the victorious team presented the championship trophy to the Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Haruna Musa, following their impressive performance at the tournament, which featured six universities from across Northern Nigeria.
BUK went unbeaten throughout the competition, winning all six matches and sealing the title with a thrilling 20–18 victory over the host institution, ABU Zaria, in the final.
In the group stage, BUK recorded a 10–0 win against Northwest University, Kano, and defeated the Air Force Institute of Technology 33–20. The team also edged the Federal University of Education, Kano, 11–9, before securing another dominant 10–0 victory over the Federal University of Transportation, Daura. They capped their remarkable run with the narrow 20–18 triumph in the final.
The victory marks BUK’s second championship title in the history of the competition, reinforcing the university’s growing reputation in collegiate sports.
Receiving the team, the Vice-Chancellor congratulated the athletes for bringing pride to the institution and urged them to sustain and surpass their current achievements. He reaffirmed the management’s commitment to strengthening sports development in the university and pledged continued institutional and individual support for the players’ sporting careers.
The presentation ceremony concluded with the formal handover of the trophy and cash rewards to the athletes in recognition of their discipline, teamwork and excellence.
Gov. Yusuf mourns former Kano finance commissioner, Prof. Dandago
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GATCOSA President, Prof. Kabiru Isa Dandago is dead
BUK clinches Northwest 3×3 basketball title at ABU Zaria
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Lami Maccido, first person to appear on screens of NTA Kano, CTV 67, dies at 72
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