Nigeria approves Amazon's Kuiper for satellite broadband expansion by 2026

Nigeria has granted approval for Amazon-backed Kuiper Systems LLC to offer space-based communications services across the country. The decision comes as competition grows in the low Earth orbit satellite market, with multiple global players expanding their networks. The move also highlights Nigeria's push to improve broadband access in remote and underserved regions.

The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) issued a landing permit to Kuiper Systems LLC for its Project Kuiper satellite constellation. This permit allows the company to transmit signals over Nigerian territory starting in 2026. The approval covers fixed satellite services, mobile satellite services, and earth stations in motion, ensuring broader connectivity options.

The permit takes effect on February 28, 2026, and will remain valid for seven years, expiring on February 28, 2033. Kuiper is authorised to deploy up to 3,236 non-geostationary satellites in low Earth orbit, operating on Ka-band frequencies. The NCC stated that the permit aligns with global best practices for regulating satellite communications, reflecting Nigeria's readiness for next-generation space-based solutions.

Nigeria's decision follows a wider trend of countries and regions investing in satellite networks. China has registered three near-Earth orbit constellations, each with over 10,000 satellites, and submitted 73 frequency coordination requests to the ITU in 2025. The European Union is also developing an AI-powered satellite constellation, AI-Sentinel, led by Airbus and Leonardo, with its first launch planned for late 2026. Other companies, including MARVEL SPACE COMMUNICATIONS, E-SPACE, and KEPLER COMMUNICATIONS, have registered networks with 170,000, 110,000, and 110,000 satellites respectively.

Project Kuiper now joins a growing list of global satellite broadband initiatives targeting emerging markets. The approval signals Nigeria's increasing openness to satellite-led broadband, particularly for areas where traditional infrastructure struggles to reach.

The permit allows Kuiper Systems to begin operations in Nigeria from 2026, expanding high-speed internet access through satellite technology. With a seven-year licence, the company will contribute to Nigeria's efforts to bridge digital divides. The move also positions the country alongside other nations actively developing space-based communication networks.