NCC Launches Draft Spectrum Roadmap for 2026–2030 to Boost Broadband Access
The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) has unveiled a draft Spectrum Roadmap for 2026–2030, alongside new guidelines for the opening of the lower 6GHz and 60GHz spectrum bands. The initiative is designed to expand broadband access, stimulate investment, create jobs, and further strengthen Nigeria’s digital economy.
Speaking at the launch event held on Monday in Abuja, the NCC’s Executive Vice Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, Dr. Aminu Maida, underscored the strategic importance of spectrum as a critical national resource that underpins mobile connectivity, broadband services, satellite communications, emergency networks, financial platforms, and emerging smart technologies.
Representing Dr. Maida, the Head of Spectrum Administration, Atiku Lawal, explained that the roadmap provides a forward-looking framework aimed at enhancing regulatory certainty, boosting investor confidence, and fostering innovation while ensuring high-quality communication services across the country.
According to Lawal, the initiatives are expected to drive broadband investment, accelerate digital infrastructure deployment, generate employment opportunities, and deepen Nigeria’s digital transformation.
This forward-thinking approach reflects the NCC’s commitment to building a more connected and technologically advanced Nigeria while responding to the growing demand for reliable, high-speed communication services. The draft roadmap represents a significant step toward optimizing the use of Nigeria’s spectrum resources for national development.
Airtel Africa to Announce Q3 2025 Results and Share Buyback Progress
Airtel Africa, a leading provider of telecommunications and mobile money services operating in 14 African countries, is scheduled to release its financial results for the nine months ended 31 December 2025 on Friday, 30 January 2026.
On the same day, management will host a presentation and conference call for analysts and investors at 1:00 p.m. UK time (GMT). Interested participants are required to register in advance to receive dial-in details.
In a regulatory disclosure issued on Wednesday, Airtel Africa confirmed that it continues to implement its share buyback programme, having repurchased 40,000 ordinary shares. The company stated that the shares were acquired on 13 January 2026 from Barclays Capital Securities Limited, in line with the authority granted by shareholders and the buyback arrangements announced in September 2025.
The move reinforces Airtel Africa’s commitment to delivering value to shareholders while sustaining its growth trajectory in the telecommunications and mobile money sectors across the continent. The forthcoming results are expected to provide further insight into the company’s performance and strategic direction.
NCC Issues Licences to Expand Internet Access and Improve Connectivity
The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) has issued new licences aimed at significantly expanding internet access, enhancing competition—particularly with providers such as Starlink—and improving connectivity in underserved and remote areas across Nigeria, Africa’s largest telecommunications market.
According to the Commission, the licences granted to operators involve the use of Ka-Band spectrum, a key development in strengthening broadband delivery and expanding satellite-based connectivity.
Notably, Amazon’s Project Kuiper has received a landing permit for its satellite constellation, which is expected to comprise up to 3,236 satellites designed to deliver broadband services over Nigerian territory from 2026.
Similarly, the NCC confirmed that NSL has been granted a landing permit for its Beetlesat-1 Constellation, consisting of 264 satellites that will also provide coverage over Nigeria beginning in 2026. Additionally, Satelio IoT Services has been issued a permit to operate in the country.
These regulatory approvals underscore the NCC’s commitment to deepening digital infrastructure, fostering competition, and ensuring that more Nigerians—particularly in rural and hard-to-reach areas—can access reliable and affordable internet services. The expansion of satellite connectivity is expected to play a crucial role in bridging the digital divide.
MTN Uganda Urged to Restore Internet Services Amid Election Concerns
MTN Uganda, a subsidiary of South Africa’s MTN Group, has come under pressure to restore internet services amid growing concerns over human rights as Ugandans prepared to vote on Thursday, 15 January.
The call follows a nationwide internet shutdown imposed by authorities two days before the election. On Tuesday, 13 January, the Uganda Communications Commission (UCC) ordered a temporary suspension of public internet access and selected mobile services, citing the need to curb what it described as “misinformation” related to the electoral process.
The shutdown, which began at 6:00 p.m. local time, was implemented following recommendations from the Inter-Agency Security Committee.
President Yoweri Museveni, who has been in power since 1986, is seeking a seventh term in an election widely regarded as contentious. The restriction of internet access has drawn sharp criticism from human rights organizations, which argue that it undermines citizens’ rights to information and free expression during a critical democratic exercise.
As voting approaches, mounting calls for MTN Uganda to restore connectivity highlight the growing tension between government efforts to control information and the fundamental rights of citizens to communicate freely and participate fully in the electoral process.
