The Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) has arrested former Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Usman Jibrin, and Adam Yusuf, a Deputy Commandant of the Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) in Kogi State.The duo were arrested over the alleged diversion of more than ₦3 billion in public funds.Both men are expected to face prosecution for their involvement in the fraudulent activities.In a statement issued on Friday, Demola Bakare, ICPC’s Director of Public Enlightenment and Education, confirmed the arrests, noting that Yusuf, who had been evading authorities, was finally apprehended at his residence in Gwagwalada, Abuja.
The commission’s investigation revealed that Jibrin allegedly orchestrated the fraud through Yusuf and another associate, former Brigadier General Ishaya Bauka Gangum.The scheme reportedly involved the use of 92 fictitious companies, which were not registered with the Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC), to divert public funds.Yusuf allegedly acted as a front for Jibrin, facilitating suspicious financial transactions that led to the acquisition of high-value properties.Intelligence reports suggest that some of the stolen funds were used to purchase real estate abroad, including properties in Dubai, through proxies.The legal dispute over the illegally acquired properties dates back to 2019, when a Federal High Court issued an interim forfeiture order on assets linked to Jibrin and Yusuf.However, in July 2022, the court vacated the order, ruling that the ICPC had failed to provide sufficient evidence.
The commission appealed the ruling, arguing that it was unreasonable and unsupported by available evidence.ICPC’s investigation has traced the diverted funds to companies such as Lahab Integrated and Gate Coast Properties, which were used to acquire at least 18 properties.Four of these properties have been forfeited to the federal government, while legal proceedings over the remaining assets continue.
The ICPC is also intensifying efforts to arrest other suspects who are still at large.Jibrin, who served as the 21st Chief of Naval Staff from 2014 to 2015, has faced multiple corruption allegations since leaving office:In 2024, the Federal High Court issued an arrest warrant for him in connection with a new ₦1.5 billion money laundering case filed by the ICPC.He was previously linked to another ₦600 million money laundering case.
The Chairman of the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC), Dr. Musa Adamu Aliyu, SAN, has revealed that the commission recovered over ₦20 billion siphoned through fraudulent ghost workers’ pension schemes in 2024.Dr. Aliyu explained that the ICPC uncovered the fraudulent insertion of workers in some Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs) as part of its preventive activities.The ICPC Chairman made this disclosure during the “Editors’ Breakfast Meeting with ICPC Chairman,” an interactive session organized by the ICPC for media executives, in Abuja.He emphasized that the fight against corruption cannot be waged by anti-graft agencies alone, stressing the need for collective efforts to drive national progress. Highlights of the Chairman’s briefing include but are not limited to the following areas.
Commitment to Due Process and the Rule of Law. According to Dr. Aliyu, the ICPC has adopted a strategic communication approach in line with the 1999 Constitution and the Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Act. This ensures that while the Commission remains strict and diligent in its operations, it upholds the rule of law and human dignity.“Over the years, ICPC has followed a communication strategy guided by Section 36 and Section 27(4) of the 1999 Constitution (as amended) and the Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Act, 2000. These legal provisions safeguard suspects’ rights. While we remain firm and meticulous in our duties, we are equally committed to upholding the rule of law and human dignity,” he stated.Dr. Aliyu also underscored the importance of responsible information dissemination, particularly in safeguarding informants and preserving the integrity of ongoing investigations.“In matters of enforcement, we share verified information through reports, newsletters, press releases, our website, and social media.
However, we ensure that the identities of informants are protected and that the integrity of our investigations is not compromised,” he added.Strategic Action Plan and Media Engagement. The ICPC Chairman noted that the Commission is not seeking public validation but rather remains focused on delivering measurable results based on its Strategic Action Plan (2024-2028).“We want our work to be evaluated based on our performance standards, not the need for attention or approval. Our commitment is to provide accurate information without exaggeration or self-promotion. Additionally, we pledge to respond promptly to media inquiries while adhering to legal and ethical guidelines,” he affirmed.Dr. Aliyu further disclosed that the ICPC is collaborating with reputable civil society organizations to implement a Corruption Prevention Program for Local Governments.The initiative aims to promote proactive disclosure of financial, procurement, and corruption-related information at the grassroots level.Call for Media Collaboration. Recognizing the media as a vital stakeholder in the anti-corruption fight, Dr. Aliyu urged journalists to work closely with the ICPC to enhance public awareness and amplify the commission’s programs.In his opening remarks, Professor Sule Ya’u Sule, fnipr, a lecturer in Strategic Communication and Public Relations at Bayero University, Kano, and a vice president of the Nigerian Institute of Public Relations (NIPR), commended the ICPC for the initiative, stressed the need for his colleagues to support the Commission’s mission by reporting credible and timely information.Similarly, Mrs. Hussaina Banshika, mni, Director at the Federal Radio Corporation of Nigeria (FRCN) and Deputy Vice Chairman of the Nigerian Guild of Editors (NGE), expressed gratitude for the engagement.
She urged the ICPC Chairman to institutionalize regular interactions with the media to foster greater synergy and collaboration in the fight against corruption.
Lagos State Taskforce today arrested twelve suspected land grabbers for allegedly terrorizing occupants of NERDC Road, Alausa, Ikeja.
The suspects were arrested following a report that they were obstructing lawful occupants of the area from carrying out their legitimate activities.
The suspects were also reported to have assaulted one Mr. Ashafa of Prestige Hotel, Ikeja, while wielding dangerous weapons.
The Chairman of the Agency, CSP Adetayo Akerele, who personally arrested the 12 suspects warned all land grabbers that the agency would not allow Lagosians get cheated out of their landed property or structure.
A professor at the University of Uyo, Prof. Ignatius Uduk, has been sentenced to three years imprisonment by the Akwa Ibom State High Court in Uyo.
Uduk was convicted for publishing false election results and committing perjury related to the 2019 state House of Assembly election in Akwa Ibom North-West.
He was found guilty of charges brought by the Independent National Electoral Commission for his actions as the returning officer during the election in Essien Udim State Constituency.
The charges included perjury and the publication of false results during the 2019 general elections.
His conviction comes four years after Prof. Peter Ogban, a professor of Soil Science at the University of Calabar, was also jailed for similar offences related to election manipulation.
Former INEC Resident Electoral Commissioner in Akwa Ibom,Mike Igini, played a key role in initiating both cases.
He secured the conviction of Ogban before his retirement in 2022.
Uduk was initially arraigned in December 2020, after an arrest warrant was issued for him due to his repeated failure to appear in court.
The Professor of Human Kinetics pleaded not guilty to the charges.
The trial, however, experienced multiple delays, including changes in his defence counsel and an incident where Uduk collapsed in the dock during cross-examination.
On Wednesday, Justice Bassey Nkanang, the presiding judge at Uyo High Court 5, delivered the ruling.
Uduk was acquitted of the first charge, but found guilty of publishing false election results and perjury.
The judge sentenced him to three years imprisonment on each of the two counts, to be served concurrently.
“In respect of Count 1, the defendant is hereby discharged and acquitted. In respect of Count 2, the defendant is hereby found guilty of the offence of publication of false results contrary to and punishable under section 123(4) of the Electoral Act 2010 as amended.
“For Count 3, the defendant is hereby found guilty of the offence of perjury under Section 119(1) of the Criminal Code Law of Akwa Ibom state,” Justice Nkanang ruled.
After the court session counsel for INEC, Clement Onwuenwunor (SAN), explained that the case related to the 2019 general elections, not the 2023 polls.
He emphasised the importance of the ruling as a deterrent to future offenders.
Onwuenwunor described Uduk’s conduct as a serious disservice to democracy, stating:
“This case relates to the 2019 general elections and not 2023. It was initiated by former INEC Resident Electoral Commissioner, Mike Igini, with the support of the then Chairman against those that committed infractions against the system. It has taken us five years to prosecute Prof Uduk for offences he committed against the state. The judgment is going to serve as a deterrent to others that may be engaged tomorrow by INEC, to help ensure credibility in the electoral process, but who turn around to sabotage it for selfish reasons.”
On the specifics of the offence, Onwuenwunor added: “On 10 March 2019, he had earlier submitted a handwritten note detailing how he was chased away from the collation centre and that he was forced to announce the result. Less than 24 hours later, he generated another result, came up with the official final result, declaring the winner for the election. He returned a winner for an election that there was no collation in any of the levels, no collation from the Polling Unit, no collation from Ward Level, none at the Local Government Area level before it got to him as Returning Officer.”
The INEC counsel also criticised Uduk’s repeated court absences and the fraudulent medical reports he used to delay proceedings.
“He refused to attend court on several occasions and procured a forged medical report from Lagos State University Teaching Hospital, saying he was sick. It took the Commissioner of Police Lagos State Command to verify the authenticity of that medical report. It turned out from the police report that he was never anywhere near Lagos on those days he claimed and the doctor he claimed issued the medical report never existed in the payroll of the university’s teaching hospital.”
The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, on Wednesday urged Nigerians to be patient with the government amid the current economic hardship.
Speaking in Ibadan, the Oyo State capital, while leading members of the G-5 and other political associates on a condolence visit to Governor Seyi Makinde,
Wike said President Bola Tinubu’s policies were designed to improve the country’s economic situation.
Makinde’s elder brother, Sunday Makinde, passed away on Friday, January 24, 2025, at the age of 65.
Wike was accompanied by former governors Okezie Ikpeazu (Abia) and Samuel Ortom (Benue), as well as Senators Sandy Onor, Philip Aduda, Olaka Nwogu, Mao Ohuabunwa, and Chibudom Nwuche, among others.
The minister acknowledged the difficulties Nigerians were facing but maintained that the government’s ongoing economic policies would yield positive results in due time.
Wike said:“I have always told people to be patient with this government. This country has faced significant challenges in the past, and it’s essential to recognize the progress we’ve made.
“Nigerians often forget where we were and the efforts being put in place to improve our situation.
“We have to give it time. It’s not like a miracle. The policies Mr. President is implementing will have some effects, and people will feel them, but in the end, we will achieve what we want to achieve.”
He assured Nigerians of better days ahead, saying:“Although we may have to endure some hardships now, we should not panic. Mr. President genuinely cares for our country, and I assure you that better days are ahead.”
While commiserating with the Makinde family, the minister expressed deep condolences and emphasized the importance of unity in times of grief.
“In this moment of profound loss, we are here to offer our love and solidarity.
“We stand by our brother, Makinde, in this trying time. Losing a loved one is never easy, and we want to assure him that he is not alone,” Wike said.
Also on Wednesday, a chieftain of the Peoples Democratic Party and former chairman of the party’s Board of Trustees, Bode George, led a delegation of party leaders, including former Osun State Governor Olagunsoye Oyinlola, to commiserate with Makinde.
In his remarks to both Wike’s and George’s entourages, Makinde expressed gratitude for their support, acknowledging their solidarity during his time of grief.
He urged them to reflect on the unexpected passing of his brother, emphasising the importance of prioritising physical wellness, especially for those in public office.
Marwa lists fresh drug use survey, NDCMP, test kits, training, others as areas of needs
By Ebinum Samuel
The United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime, UNODC, has assured the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency, NDLEA, of further support and renewed partnership in its ongoing effort to rid the country of substance abuse and illicit drug trafficking. The assurance was given on Wednesday 5th February 2025 when the new Country Representative of UNODC in Nigeria, Mr. Cheikh Ousmane Toure led a team of his top officials on a courtesy visit to the Chairman/Chief Executive Officer of NDLEA, Brig Gen Mohamed Buba Marwa (Rtd) at the Agency’s National Headquarters in Abuja. While acknowledging the leadership role NDLEA plays in drug law enforcement in Africa and particularly the West African sub-region, the UNODC chief said his visit was to re-engage with the Agency on how to cascade the successes recorded at the national level to the states. He said this is because the drug scourge is at the basis of most of the security challenges at the subnational level.
According to him, “It is very important for us to re-engage and re-energize the relationship between UNODC and NDLEA and I think that me coming here today is to tell you I want to re-engage and reinvigorate our relationship so that it serves Nigeria as a whole and also the rest of this sub-region by following your lead. “NDLEA has been our partner and even facilitated our implementation in Nigeria. So, I want a re-engagement of UNODC with NDLEA to see how together we can develop a greater plan to support the remaining implementation of the master plan and going forward, the new stages of engagement with Nigeria. And one thing that we want to look at is how NDLEA can provide increased capacity building to West African member countries so that together we fight this menace and share best practices” In his remarks, Marwa appreciated the global body for its support to the agency over the years while expressing confidence that the new Country Representative will take the existing relationship to a new height. While listing some of the numerous achievements the agency has attained in the areas of drug supply reduction and drug demand reduction in the past four years with support of local and international partners including the UNODC, the NDLEA boss said the visit by the team provided the opportunity to present before them some of the areas they should consider in their support for the agency. He asked the UNODC to support the agency’s Alternative Development Programme, which is the first in Africa, aimed at providing alternative means of livelihood for cannabis growers. “And so, if we are able to provide an alternative, that would be good for them and for society. And so that’s one of the areas that I would like greater collaboration. We need some support on this. “The drug use survey is another project that we need support. The one published in 2018 is quite stale and we need a re-assessment, and I remember two or three years ago in Vienna, I spoke to the Director of UNODC directly on the need. Happily, now it’s in your sights I understand. So, that’s a most welcome development for us to reassess, to see what is the prevalence now, and what are the new trends and so on and so forth. “The National Drug Control Master Plan is another area of need. The current master plan is 2021-2025. Another one is due. So, that’s certainly one more area that we would work together towards. Then capacity building and training. This is key to our work, because every organization, the bottom-line is the personnel. So, this capacity building has helped us and we need more master trainers. Let me conclude with the tools; we need handy field test kits. You can check and see what’s going to be possible now, what will be possible next year, and so on. Just to help us continue to do the work that we’re doing.”
The Police Service Commission has approved the appointment of Commissioners of Police for Taraba and Anambra State Commands.The Commission approved the appointment of Chukwudi Chris Ariekpere from Abia State as the new Commissioner of Police for Taraba State.
He takes over from CP Peter Oparah while Livingstein Ikioye Orutugu from Bayelsa State takes over the Anambra State Command from Obong Nnache Itam.The Commission Chairman, DIG Hashimu Argungu rtd, mni said the new Commissioners should quickly settle down to their new duty posts and ensure there is no gap that may necessitate a break down of law and order.He charged the new CPs to be dedicated and committed to duty and to assist ensure that Nigeria is freed of the menace of bandits and deviants. He said the Commission will continue to monitor their conduct and assist ensure they succeed in their new duty posts.The Commission’s decision has been conveyed to the Inspector General of Police for immediate implementation
It was gathered that many others are considering the move, particularly those in Lagos, following the recent crash in the prices of refined products by the $20bn Lekki-based Dangote Petroleum Refinery.
Already some dealers that used to have the NNPCL logo on their filling stations located around Wawa on the Lagos-Ibadan expressway, as well as at Ibafo, still along the busy road, have dropped the name of the national oil firm.
Independent marketers are seeking to achieve adequate product off-take at a cheaper rate, as the deregulation of the downstream oil sector has led to intense competition.
Many filling stations formerly affiliated with the national oil company are now being renamed and rebranded under the ownership of private oil marketers, particularly in Lagos and surrounding states.
It was also learned that more marketers may relinquish their licences with NNPCL due to the reduced loading costs of Premium Motor Spirit (petrol) refined by the Dangote refinery, which is currently lower than the landing cost of imported petrol.
The PUNCH reports that a petrol price war was reignited in the sector recently after the Dangote Petroleum Refinery slashed its loading costs to N890 from N950 per litre.
Dealers explained that the rebranding of filling stations is a tactic by the marketers to pick up cheaper products from the Dangote refinery, and other import sources at a cheaper rate.
This assertion was confirmed by the National Publicity Secretary of the Independent Petroleum Marketers Association of Nigeria, Chinedu Ukadike, during an exclusive interview on Tuesday.
A franchise licence in the oil sector refers to an official authorisation granted to an individual or company to operate a business or distribute products under an established brand or system within the oil industry.
This typically involves a contractual agreement that allows the franchisee to utilise the franchisor’s brand, resources, and operational model in exchange for fees or a percentage of revenue.
Ukadike explained that marketers have adopted this new approach because the NNPCL is no longer the exclusive importer and distributor of refined petroleum products.
He said, “Yes, that observation is correct. Some marketers are changing and rebranding. Remember that there was a time NNPCL was the sole distributor and importer of petrol. So, marketers then gave their filling stations as franchises so that they could get products.
“So marketers normally give their companies to NNPCL to be able to have petroleum products. But now that the game has changed, you can even see some marketers now changing to MRS filling stations. Because MRS is now selling cheaper than any other station.
“People want where they want to get turnover and return on investment. If you are carrying Total on as a brand name and Total is not giving you petrol products, what is the sense of carrying the name? You have to remove it and get a better alternative. Most of those filling stations (that are changing name), NNPC don’t own them. NNPC only collected them on the franchise.”
Attempts to contact the NNPCL spokesperson, Femi Soneye, for an explanation of why marketers are switching from the company’s brand, proved unsuccessful, as he did not reply to messages sent to his phone.
An oil and gas expert, Olatide Jeremiah, who confirmed the arrangement said marketers used the franchise licence as a method to secure cheaper products from NNPCL which was still importing at the time.
He confirmed that the avenue that provided more revenue was disrupted by the emergence of the Dangote refinery and the inability of the national oil firm to secure an agreement to fix petrol prices with the Lekki-based plant.
Jeremiah, who is the Chief Executive Officer of petroleumprice.ng noted, “Yes, it’s true. It all happened after the subsidy was removed but before the emergence of the Dangote refinery.”
He further narrated, “After the removal and petrol price went up, NNPCL was asked to manage the price and should not be allowed to keep skyrocketing. So NNPCL and the majors were pegging the price at N500 but the landing cost was above the amount. This affected importers and independent marketers who imported fuel. For instance, Petrocam imported and claimed that its landing cost was N700 but the majors and NNPCL were selling at N500 per litre. That is a difference of N200 and was a huge loss.
“So actually NNPCL was subsidising internally and when independent marketers noticed this and were losing sales, they began applying for NNPCL franchise lincence. The marketers paid millions to get the franchise licence because they were loading from NNPCL depot at a cheaper rate.
“NNPCL was the one dictating price for all the majors at that time because of public outcry and they used to buy, till Dangote came in. They also wanted to do the same thing with Dangote to fix the price but the arrangement didn’t work because Dangote wanted to sell to everyone. Its price was better and independent marketers could buy directly.
“The franchise licence was also an avenue to make more profit because some marketers got licence for one of their stations but would transport products to other stations and sell at a higher price to Nigerians. The slot of getting fuel tankers at that time was twice in a month.”
The Chairman of PETROAN in Lagos State, Akinola Ogunyolemi, said most of the outlets are not originally owned by the NNPC.
He said the removal of the NNPCL symbol might mean the end of an agreement or a breach of it by either party.
“These are individual outlets. What they do is that, if an NNPCL contract expires and they are not ready to move forward with them or if they get a juicy offer, they will remove the NNPCL logo. They will rebrand again and put other people’s names. That could be the reason.
“Most of the outlets are not NNPCL-owned. You can have your filling station built and put NNPCL there, with your contract to them. Maybe they could not meet up with your agreement with them, (because they too also have some breach of contract sometimes), you might decide to go and give the station to Mobil or Total. It is yours,” Ogunyolemi said.
Experts also noted that more licenses may still be revoked because the price of imported petrol now costs more than products obtained from the Dangote refinery.
According to the latest data released by the Major Energies Marketers Association, the on-spot cost of landing PMS has reached N910.14 per litre at the ASPM and N910.52 at the NPSC depot.
The document also stated the 30-day average cost of petrol surged to N939.03 per litre.
Meanwhile, fresh details emerged regarding the behind-the-scenes developments that contributed to the reduction in the ex-gantry loading cost of Premium Motor Spirit, commonly known as petrol, sourced from the Dangote Petroleum Refinery and a possible reduced retail cost for Nigerians.
The refinery in a statement signed by Group Chief Branding and Communications Officer, Anthony Chiejina, said the strategic adjustment is a direct response to the positive outlook within the global energy and gas markets, as well as the recent reduction in international crude oil prices.
“Dangote Petroleum Refinery has reduced the ex-depot (gantry) price of Premium Motor Spirit, commonly known as petrol, from N950 to N890, effective from Saturday, 1st February 2025.
“This strategic adjustment is a direct response to the positive outlook within the global energy and gas markets, as well as the recent reduction in international crude oil prices,” the statement read.
It noted that the price revision reflects the ongoing fluctuations in global crude oil markets, as highlighted in the refinery’s statement on 19th January, when a modest increase was implemented due to the previously rising international crude oil prices.
Brent crude, the international benchmark, was traded at $76.76 per barrel on Tuesday, marking a reduction of $4 from $81 per barrel recorded in early January.
While this assertion is totally accurate, marketers in the downstream sector informed our correspondent that a pricing competition between Dangote, the NNPCL and some marketers contributed to the decision to reduce its petrol costs.
This fresh pricing war started about a week ago after the NNPCL and some major marketers secured an alternative source to import refined products at a cheaper landing cost compared to Dangote’s price.
Recall that The PUNCH reported last Friday that the national oil firm and other marketers in the downstream oil sector imported more than 633 million litres of Premium Motor Spirit (petrol) and Automotive Gas Oil (diesel) in January 2025 despite the production of these commodities domestically.
A marketer said, “We had noticed for some weeks that Dangote and private depot prices were at the same level unlike before when there was a N20 difference. So we found out that some people are sourcing cheaper products outside the country and that’s why they are going head-on with Dangote. Those depots didn’t want to get out of business and that was why they had to do it to be more competitive.”
Another source who confirmed the development said the concerns expressed by bulk buyers operating at a loss of N31.02 per litre or a total loss of N310,159,109.59 made Dangote senior executives hold a meeting.
The source noted, however, that despite the reduction in output, the refinery continues to maintain a steady profit, demonstrating its ability to adapt and remain financially successful.
He said, “The price reduction from Dangote was somehow inevitable because there were serious complaints and concerns from their buyers. This made Dangote senior executives to meet on Friday between 4 and 5 pm to discuss. What has happened is basically the effect of deregulation in the downstream sector and Nigerians should expect more pricing war between competitors in the sector.”
The Federal Government has approved N452bn for the construction and rehabilitation of 14 major roads across the country, as part of the Renewed Hope Administration’s comprehensive infrastructure initiative.
The Minister of Works, Dave Umahi, made the announcement following the 23rd Federal Executive Council meeting at the Aso Rock Villa, Abuja, on Tuesday.
Umahi explained that these projects span several states, and the funding will be used to expedite their completion and improve nationwide connectivity.
Among the approved projects is the N22bn Agaie-Katcha-Baro Road in Niger State, which will be handled by Messrs GR Building Construction Limited.
Cross River State’s Odukpani Junction and the central section of the Calabar–Ikom–Ogoja Road will undergo rehabilitation with an N26.335bn contract awarded to Samatech.
Other projects include the N10.89bn Ajaokuta-Ajibo/Iyana-Mosa Road in Ogun State, the N9.33bn Inoma-Iyaka-Abaji section of the Ibaji-Odulu-Ajibu Road in Anambra, and the N14.37bn Umuahia Ituano-Ikot Ekpene Road, awarded to Messers Heartland Reckon Construction Company.
Additional road projects include the N33.42bn Kaduna-Jos Road (Phase 1), N11.81bn Yola-Fufure Road, and N13bn Ijebu-Ibutita-Ebe Road in Ogun State, among others.
Umahi also noted that N30bn would be allocated to the Lagos–Ibadan Road project to finalize the Lagos-bound stretch.
Furthermore, the government approved an N7bn rescoping plan for the AK Bypass, to be handled by Ghitto Construction Limited.
The FEC also approved several water infrastructure projects aimed at bolstering water supply in Abuja and its surrounding areas.
Umahi emphasised that these projects reflect the government’s commitment to improving the nation’s infrastructure and connectivity.
He further clarified that the Lagos-Ibadan Road requires an additional N30bn to complete its Lagos-bound section, and he promised that all outstanding road projects would be closely monitored to ensure timely completion.
Elon Musk’s Starlink has already transformed global internet access, but now it’s taking connectivity a step further. The latest innovation—Direct-to-Cell—enables standard iPhones and Android phones to make calls from anywhere on Earth, without requiring additional hardware.
This development could change the way we think about mobile networks. Picture yourself deep in a remote jungle, out at sea, or hiking in a desert—all places where cell towers are nonexistent. Thanks to Starlink’s expanding satellite infrastructure, soon you won’t have to worry about losing signal ever again.
No New Devices Needed—Just Your Smartphone
Unlike traditional satellite phones, which require bulky equipment and specialized SIM cards, Starlink’s Direct-to-Cell service works with any LTE-enabled smartphone. This means that if your phone can connect to a 4G network, it will be able to tap into Starlink’s satellites for calls, text messages, and eventually, even data services.
A report to the FCC confirms that Starlink has already tested its service on leading smartphone brands, including Apple, Samsung, and Google. The results? Crystal-clear calls from urban centers to isolated regions, proving that satellite connectivity can seamlessly integrate with existing mobile networks.
A Lifeline for Emergencies and Everyday Use
While this advancement is great news for travelers and adventurers, it’s also a potential game-changer for emergency responders and people in rural areas with unreliable service. Current satellite phone systems often come with severe limitations—restricting users to pre-set messaging formats or requiring expensive, dedicated hardware.
With Starlink’s system, users can send fully customizable messages using their preferred apps. This flexibility could make all the difference in an emergency, allowing for clearer communication than ever before.
What’s Next for Starlink’s Satellite Calling Service ?
Starlink plans to roll out its Direct-to-Cell service as part of a commercial package, though pricing details are still under wraps. But Musk’s ambitions go far beyond simple voice calls. According to the FCC filing, Starlink is already exploring satellite-powered web browsing, IoT integration, and enhanced voice communication.
The broader impact? This technology could bridge the connectivity gap in underserved regions, giving people in rural communities the same access to reliable, high-quality mobile service as those in major cities.
A Future Without Dead Zones?
For those accustomed to flawless fiber-optic internet, Starlink’s Direct-to-Cell service may not seem like a huge leap. But for the billions of people still struggling with patchy coverage, this innovation could be life-changing.
Elon Musk’s vision of a fully connected world is inching closer to reality. Whether you’re working remotely from the mountains, sailing across the Pacific, or simply living in a rural area with poor reception, Starlink’s satellite connectivity could redefine mobile communication as we know it.
