The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) has disclosed that it has commenced pre-enforcement action against Starlink for reviewing upwardly its subscription packages in Nigeria.
The telecommunications regulatory commission stated in a four-paragraph release by its Director, Public Affairs, Reuben Muoka, that the review did not receive the NCC approval.
“The decision by Starlink to unilaterally review its subscription packages upwards did not receive the approval of the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC).
“The action of the company is in contravention of Sections 108 and 111 of the Nigerian Communications Act (NCA), 2003, and Starlink’s Licence Conditions regarding tariffs.
“The Commission commenced pre-enforcement action on the licensee on the 3rd of October, 2024,” Muoka stated in the release.
Starlink, a satellite internet network company owned by Elon Musk, last week, increased its monthly subscription in Nigeria by 97 per cent.
The company increased the monthly subscription for its service in Nigeria from ₦38,000 to ₦75,000, while the price of Starlink kits for new users was increased by 34 percent from ₦44,000 to ₦590,000.
Starlink, in a message, cited “excessive inflation” as the reason for the recent increment. It stated that the new subscription rate would take effect from 31 October for its current customers, while it will be effected immediately for new subscribers.
“Due to excessive levels of inflation, the Starlink monthly service price will increase from current rates to the respective rates below: Standard (Residential): ₦75,000; Mobile- Regional (Roam Unlimited): ₦167,000; Mobile – Global (Global Roam): ₦717,000.
“As a current customer, your monthly service price will increase in one month, beginning 31 October 2024. For new customers, the price increase is effective immediately.
“If you do not wish to continue your service, you can cancel at any time,” Starlink had stated in the message to its customers in Nigeria.
Starlink, according to an Internet Service Providers (ISPs) data released by the NCC, is one of the leading ISPs in Nigeria, in terms of number of customers.
