Starlink, the satellite internet provider owned by Elon Musk, has announced another price hike for its Residential Plan in Nigeria, raising the monthly subscription fee from N38,000 to N75,000.
The increment, effective January 27, 2025, follows a similar attempt in September, which was suspended after the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) flagged it as unauthorized. The latest development leaves questions unanswered about whether Starlink has obtained NCC approval.
As stakeholders await the NCC’s position, the telecom industry braces for further debates about the balance between fostering innovation and maintaining compliance.
In a notification sent to subscribers, Starlink justified the price adjustment as necessary for maintaining and improving its service infrastructure in Nigeria.
The company also disclosed that Regional roaming subscribers will now pay N167,000 monthly, while global roaming customers will pay N717,000. New customers are subject to the increased rates immediately. Starlink assured customers they could cancel their subscriptions if dissatisfied.
The NCC has yet to confirm if the new tariffs were approved, but industry observers speculate that Starlink might have secured the regulator’s nod this time. The previous unapproved increment led to accusations of regulatory bias and prompted the NCC to issue a warning. The Commission cited violations of Sections 108 and 111 of the Nigerian Communications Act, 2003, which regulate telecom tariffs and impose penalties for non-compliance.
Local telecom operators have expressed frustration, citing the regulatory clampdown on their requests for tariff increases amid rising operational costs. They argue that Starlink’s pricing adjustments set a concerning precedent, particularly if regulatory approval was bypassed.
The situation highlights growing tensions in the sector over price regulation and competitive fairness. With Starlink’s services gaining popularity in Nigeria for its reliability, the controversy underscores the need for clear regulatory enforcement.