The court in a ruling delivered on April 24, 2026, answered the prayers by Nairtime Nigeria Limited pending the determination of a substantive suit challenging regulatory actions linked to digital lending operations.

The interim order, contained in a Certified True Copy obtained on Tuesday, followed an ex parte application filed by Nairtime Holdings Limited and Nairtime Nigeria Limited, which approached the court over what they described as a threatened disruption of their business operations by the telecom operators.

In Suit No. FHC/ABJ/CS/779/2026, the plaintiffs argued that the defendants intended to suspend, discontinue, or otherwise interfere with their access to telecommunications platforms, including USSD channels, SMS, short codes, and billing services.

They contended that the planned action was based on directives allegedly arising from the Digital, Electronic, Online or Non-Traditional Consumer Lending Regulations 2025.

The plaintiffs maintained that such actions would constitute unlawful interference with their contractual rights and business operations, noting that they are licensed Value Added Service providers operating under valid approvals issued by the Nigerian Communications Commission.

They further asserted that they had complied with all contractual obligations and that no valid notice of breach had been issued by the defendants.

Ruling on the motion, the court granted an order of “Interim Injunction restraining the 1st and 2nd Defendants/Respondents, whether by themselves, their officers, servants, agents, or privies, from suspending, restricting, discontinuing, or otherwise interfering with the access of the 2nd Plaintiff to their platforms, channels, short codes, SMS, USSD, billing services and other telecommunications-enabled services and operations during the subsistence of the 2nd Plaintiff’s valid licence issued by the Nigerian Communications Commission under and by virtue of the Nigerian Communications Act on the basis of the DEON Regulations issued by the Federal Republic of Nigeria.”

The court further held that telecom operators could not set aside agreed contractual notice periods and dispute-resolution mechanisms in a bid to comply with new regulatory directives.

The order specifically covers access to platforms, channels, short codes, SMS, USSD services, and other telecommunications-enabled operations utilised by Nairtime Nigeria Limited in delivering its airtime advance and digital lending services.

The court directed that the status quo be maintained pending the determination of the substantive suit, noting the subsistence of a valid licence held by the second plaintiff.

Even with 88% of the population being covered by terrestrial networks, millions are stranded in the digital dark. Airtel Africa, in partnership with SpaceX, says that changes next year.

Speaking at a press conference held on Thursday, December 18, 2025, Dinesh Balsingh, CEO of Airtel Nigeria, expanded on the earlier announcement  that Airtel Africa would deploy Starlink Direct-to-Cell satellite connectivity across its 14 markets. 

“This provides satellite connectivity across all our 14 markets of Airtel Africa, serving about 174 million customers. Airtel Nigeria will launch this service in 2026, providing data for select applications, text messaging, and USSD services,” Balsingh said.

This is a calculated strike at the incessant gaps in Nigeria’s digital sector. Fibre vandalism, inaccessible terrain, and low-density rural populations have long made network expansion expensive and slow. “Some areas are deserts, mountains, or simply too remote for fibre. Satellite connectivity ensures reliable access wherever you go, irrespective of geography,” Balsingh further noted.

Starlink’s first-generation and next-generation satellites will bring high-speed mobile broadband, ensuring smartphone users can access WhatsApp, mobile money, and essential apps even where no terrestrial network exists. 

Airtel Nigeria becomes the first operator in the country to offer this service, powered by 650 satellites for seamless coverage.

Who Benefits?

The press conference also addressed the question of who benefits? Balsingh explained, “It will be a combination of both. While deep rural areas have lower smartphone penetration, there is still a significant population. Connectivity will serve local communities and travellers alike,” he said. Farmers, traders, and seasonal workers can remain connected when moving between towns and remote villages.

Technological advances now make this leap feasible. A decade ago, satellite internet was expensive and impractical for mobile use. Today, falling device prices and SpaceX innovations bring it within reach. 

“Technology moves forward. Today, around 50–55% of our customers use smartphones, up from single digits a decade ago. SpaceX’s innovations make satellite mobile connectivity realistic and scalable,” Balsingh noted.

Airtel Africa is doubling down on investments alongside Starlink. Over the past six months, 700 new sites were rolled out, 99% 4G-ready, while preparations for 5G deployment continue. Home broadband solutions, including Smart Connect outdoor units, will complement mobile coverage, bringing fibre-like connectivity into homes in urban and semi-urban areas.

Beyond coverage, resilience is an indispensable goal. When fibre is cut or vandalised, satellite connectivity acts as a reliable fallback. “This is a big boon for rural markets. We have to ensure the service is well deployed and people don’t feel a difference as they switch seamlessly between these technologies.”

For Airtel Africa, Balsingh stressed that the Starlink partnership isn’t just about technology, but digital inclusion, financial accessibility, and economic empowerment. “We remain committed to our leadership in connectivity innovations that empower individuals, capitalise economic opportunities, and unlock sustainable development.”

Airtel says the Starlink Direct-to-Cell service launch in Nigeria is slated for 2026, pending regulatory approvals, and promises to ensure no community is left disconnected.

The company’s CEO, Karl Toriola, highlighted the challenges during a recent tour of the firm’s infrastructure in Lagos. He spoke about the financial pressures facing the telecom industry, emphasising the need for reforms to sustain operations.

Toriola explained that the sector is facing high operational expenses, driven by high diesel prices required to power base stations, as well as inflation and the devaluation of the naira. 

He noted that MTN is currently surviving on reserves accumulated over the last two decades, a situation that he described as unsustainable without further intervention.

The telecom sector has not seen a tariff increase in over a decade, despite an unending rise in expenses. According to Toriola, adjusting tariffs to reflect current economic situations is necessary to maintain service standards and ensure the survival of the industry. 

He warned that without an upward review of tariffs, telecom operators might be forced to halt services, a move that could have serious consequences for Nigeria’s digital economy.

The sector has also faced ordeals from external factors, including foreign exchange losses, which contributed to MTN reporting financial losses in the first half of 2024. The company recorded a ₦519.1 billion loss, largely attributed to the depreciation of the naira.

Toriola further pointed out that the issue of unpaid debts is another issue. MTN is owed ₦250 billion by Nigerian banks for Unstructured Supplementary Service Data (USSD) banking services. 

He stated that without regulatory intervention or a resolution to the debt, MTN may have no choice but to discontinue USSD services, which are widely used for banking transactions across the country.

However, the telecom giant believes that regulatory bodies, including the Central Bank of Nigeria and the Nigerian Communications Commission, will step in to resolve the sector’s financial challenges. 

Toriola urged the authorities to act quickly to avert a potential crisis, stressing the importance of the telecommunications industry in driving Nigeria’s economic growth.

The telecom industry in Nigeria has grown over the past two decades, but the increasing financial pressures threaten to reverse these gains unless immediate reforms are implemented.