NCC: Starlink didn’t receive approval before increasing monthly subscription

The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) says it didn’t grant approval to Starlink to increase its monthly subscription in Nigeria.

Starlink, a satellite internet service owned by X owner Elon Musk, announced an increase in the prices of its monthly services in Nigeria last Tuesday, October 1, 2024.

The company stated that the standard package (residential) monthly subscription had been increased to N75,000, from N38,000 per month.

The cost of the Starlink hardware was also increased from N440,000 to N590,000.

The company hinged its decision on excessive levels of inflation in Nigeria, adding that the increase was with immediate effect for new customers, while current users will start paying the new price from October 31, 2024.

Speaking on the development via a statement on Tuesday, October 8, the NCC said the action of Starlink contravened Sections 108 and 111 of the NCC Act.

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The commission, in a statement issued by its spokesperson, Reuben Muoka, said: “The decision by Starlink to unilaterally review its subscription packages upwards did not receive the approval of the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC).

“We were surprised that the company jumped the gun by announcing price changes after filing a request to the Commission seeking approval for price adjustment for which the Commission was yet to communicate a decision.

“The action of the company appears to be a contravention of Sections 108 and 111 of the Nigerian Communications Act (NCA) 2003, and Starlink’s Licence Conditions regarding tariffs.

“The Commission will, therefore, take appropriate enforcement measures against any action by a licensee that is capable of eroding the regulatory stability of the telecommunications industry.”

The Star