The Nigerian and Kenyan satellite landscapes are rapidly expanding as Spacecoin joins heavyweights like Amazon’s Project Kuiper and BeetleSat in securing critical landing rights and transmission licenses.
Unlike traditional providers, Spacecoin plans to deploy a unique decentralized satellite network powered by blockchain technology, aiming to deliver affordable, low-latency internet to underserved rural communities that have long been excluded from the digital economy.
The US- based satellite internet firm, Spacecoin announced the signing of recent agreements with local authorities and operators to launch satellite connectivity pilot projects in Africa.
The initiatives, focused on Kenya and Nigeria, aim to serve areas where terrestrial networks remain limited or unavailable.
In Kenya, Spacecoin has obtained a transmission license from the Communications Authority, allowing it to test satellite-based solutions for connectivity and Internet of Things (IoT) monitoring, particularly in rural and peri-urban areas with limited internet access.
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According to the Kenyan regulator, internet penetration remains below 50% of the population, despite mobile penetration exceeding 130%.
In parallel, the company is continuing operations in Nigeria under an existing license issued by the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC).
This authorization supports initiatives aimed at delivering affordable broadband connectivity to isolated and underserved communities.
Spacecoin’s approach is based on a decentralized satellite network using nanosatellites in low Earth orbit (LEO).
Combined with blockchain-based protocols, this architecture is intended to offer more flexible and cost-effective connectivity services than traditional networks, while also enabling the integration of IoT solutions for a range of uses, from smart agriculture to infrastructure monitoring.
These projects are part of a broader strategy to help narrow Africa’s digital divide, where a significant share of the population still lacks access to reliable internet services.
The Blockchain Backbone
Spacecoin is notable in the industry because it doesn’t just use satellites; it operates as a DePIN (Decentralized Physical Infrastructure Network). Spacecoin is built on the Creditcoin blockchain. Each of their satellites functions as a “node” in this decentralized network.
This allows for “permissionless” internet access, meaning the network isn’t controlled by a single central company that can easily “switch it off. Users can pay for data using the SPACE token or other cryptocurrencies. Every bit of data transmission is verified and recorded on a public ledger.
Satellite technology is increasingly viewed as a complement to terrestrial infrastructure, particularly in hard-to-reach areas where deployment costs and geographic constraints remain high.
Beyond Africa, Spacecoin is also running pilot projects in Asia, working with local partners to test the viability of its model across different regulatory and geographic environments.
According to the company’s management, growing interest from regulators reflects a shift toward solutions capable of reaching populations that have long been excluded from internet access.
“Beyond end users, we are also targeting builders – such as developers, telecom companies, NGOs, and infrastructure partners,” Spacecoin founder, Tae Oh said in an emailed statement to Reuters.
