NCC To Sanction Starlink Over Subscription Packages Price Hike

Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) has commenced pre-enforcement action on Starlink over price hike.

NCC, in a statement today signed by Reuben Muoka, Director, Public Affairs, expressed surprised over Starlink’s action to unilaterally review its subscription packages upwards without waiting for necessary regulatory approval.

The Commission noted that the Company’s action contravenes Sections 108 and 111 of the Nigerian Communications Act (NCA), 2003.

According to the statement, “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 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, the statement stated, commenced pre-enforcement action on the licensee on the 3rd of October, 2024.

It would be recalled that Starlink had last week increased monthly subscription for its internet service in Nigeria by 97% from N38,000 to N75,000.

For new users, the company also increased the Starlink kits (hardware) by 34% from N440,000 to N590,000.

The company in a message to its customers in Nigeria cited “excessive inflation” as the reason for the increment.