Nigeria’s low-Earth orbit (LEO) satellite internet market is set for heightened competition as the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) has granted Amazon’s Project Kuiper Internet Service Provider (ISP) and International Data Access (IDA) licences.
The five-year ISP and 10-year IDA licences position Amazon Kuiper as a direct competitor to Starlink, which has dominated Nigeria’s LEO satellite broadband space since its launch.
The development aligns with Nigeria’s broader push to expand connectivity infrastructure and attract next-generation technology investment.
The NCC said the authorisation reflects Nigeria’s openness to global satellite broadband providers and responds to rising demand for high-speed internet across underserved and hard-to-reach areas.
According to the NCC, the licence allows Amazon Kuiper to operate its space segment in Nigeria as part of a global LEO constellation of up to 3,236 satellites.
Under the approval, Amazon is authorised to provide Fixed Satellite Services (FSS), Mobile Satellite Services (MSS), and Earth Stations in Motion (ESIM).
Until now, Starlink, owned by Elon Musk’s SpaceX, has enjoyed a near first-mover advantage in Nigeria’s LEO satellite internet market. Industry estimates put Starlink’s Nigerian subscriber base at over 66,000 users, making the country one of its fastest-growing markets globally.
Amazon Kuiper’s entry introduces competition between two global technology giants with deep financial resources and advanced satellite infrastructure.
Analysts expect this rivalry to influence pricing, service quality, customer acquisition strategies, and geographic coverage, potentially benefiting consumers and businesses.
Nigeria remains one of Africa’s most strategic broadband markets, with a population exceeding 200 million and persistent connectivity gaps.
NCC data shows that over 23 million Nigerians live in unserved or underserved areas, while mobile broadband penetration stood at 50.58% as of November 2025.
Starlink was also granted ISP and Full Gateway Services licences in 2022 by the NCC and officially rolled out its services in Nigeria in January 2023.
As a satellite-based broadband internet service provider, Starlink’s launch in Nigeria was celebrated for its ability to provide service in any part of Nigeria.