News Highlights:
- The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) has denied granting approval for Starlink’s decision to unilaterally increase its subscription packages.
- The Commission, citing violations of the Nigerian Communications Act, 2003, and Starlink’s license conditions, has begun pre-enforcement action against the company.
The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) has denied approving Starlink’s unilateral decision to increase its subscription packages and has consequently, commenced pre-enforcement action on the licensee.
The Commission said in a statement signed by Reuben Muoka, Director, Public Affairs at the NCC, and made available to Digital TimesNG on Tuesday afternoon that “The decision by Starlink to unilaterally review its subscription packages upwards did not receive the approval of the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC).”
The nation’s telecom regulatory agency noted that 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.
Recall that Starlink had on October 1, 2024, announced through an email to its customers that it was increasing its subscription packages for residential users in Nigeria by a staggering 97.36% citing “excessive levels of inflation” as the reason for the price adjustment.
The drastic increase came barely a week after Starlink introduced a more affordable internet kit in Kenya, priced at $208.38, along with a $30.87 (N49,422) per month residential subscription plan.
The new monthly subscription prices are set to take effect on October 31, 2024, for existing customers, while new customers will be subject to the increased rates immediately.
According to the email, the Standard (Residential) plan will now cost N75,000 per month, up from the previous N38,000.
The Mobile – Regional (Roam Unlimited) plan has been raised to N167,000, and the Mobile – Global (Global Roam) plan now stands at N717,000 per month.