by The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) plans to take action against Elon Musk’s satellite internet service, Starlink, for increasing its subscription prices in Nigeria without approval.
This was revealed in a statement by Reuben Muoka, the NCC’s Director of Public Affairs, on Tuesday.
Last week, Starlink informed its customers that both existing and new users would face higher subscription costs. The monthly fee rose by 97%, from N38,000 to N75,000. Additionally, the price for the Starlink kit, necessary for installation, increased by 34%, from N440,000 to N590,000.
However, the NCC made it clear that the price hike was unauthorized. Muoka stated, “Starlink’s decision to raise its prices without the Nigerian Communications Commission’s approval is a violation of the regulatory process.” He explained that Starlink had submitted a request to adjust prices, but the NCC had not yet given its approval.
Muoka added that Starlink’s actions could be a breach of Sections 108 and 111 of the Nigerian Communications Act (NCA) 2003, as well as its licensing conditions regarding tariffs.
Under Section 108 of the NCA, the NCC regulates telecom tariffs, and no company can increase service charges without the commission’s approval. Section 111 also allows the NCC to impose financial penalties on any company that exceeds approved tariffs.
The NCC is now considering enforcement measures to address Starlink’s unauthorized price changes, aiming to maintain regulatory stability in Nigeria’s telecommunications sector.
