Nigerian Communications Commission Withdraws Statement on Starlink Price Hike

The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) recently retracted a press statement concerning the operations of Starlink, a satellite internet service provider. The statement had been issued regarding Starlink’s increase in subscription prices without the regulator’s consent.

In a message sent to media outlets on Tuesday, Kunle Azeez, the NCC’s Manager of Media Relations, acknowledged that the press statement was a mistake and requested editors and journalists to remove any previously published content related to the announcement. “Kindly note that this press statement on Starlink was issued in error. It is hereby WITHDRAWN. If already published, kindly BRING DOWN,” the message stated.

Earlier, the NCC’s Director of Public Affairs, Reuben Muoka, had announced intentions to enforce regulations against Starlink for their unilateral decision to raise subscription prices. The company’s new pricing structure, which increased the monthly subscription fee by 97% from N38,000 to N75,000, was shared with customers last week. In addition, the cost of the Starlink kit rose by 34%, now priced at N590,000 from the previous N440,000.

The NCC emphasized that the price alteration did not have its approval. Muoka noted, “The decision by Starlink to unilaterally review their subscription packages upwards did not receive the approval of the Nigerian Communications Commission.” He explained the regulator’s surprise at Starlink’s announcement, despite the company having submitted a request for a price adjustment, for which a decision had not yet been communicated by the NCC.

Dr. Reuben Muoka cited that Starlink’s action contravened Sections 108 and 111 of the Nigerian Communications Act, 2003, and the conditions of their license regarding tariffs. “The Commission will take appropriate enforcement measures against any action by a licensee that is capable of eroding the regulatory stability of the telecommunications industry,” Muoka asserted.

According to the Nigerian Communications Act, licensees must seek NCC’s approval before implementing any tariff changes. Failure to comply with this can lead to penalties as prescribed by the Commission. The situation has stirred discussions among stakeholders, some of whom accused the telecom regulator of applying a double standard by permitting the price increment by Starlink while rejecting similar proposals from local operators.