by The Association of Licensed Telecommunication Companies of Nigeria (ALTON) has criticized Starlink for raising its internet subscription prices without approval from the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC). They see this as a violation of regulatory authority.
Just two weeks ago, Starlink, owned by Elon Musk, increased its monthly internet fee by 97%, from N38,000 to N75,000. The cost of its hardware also went up by 34%, from N440,000 to N590,000. Starlink explained that “excessive inflation” caused the price hike.
ALTON’s Chairman, Gbenga Adebayo, emphasized that the telecommunications industry in Nigeria is strictly regulated. He said that operators, including Starlink, must get approval from the NCC before raising prices.
Adebayo confirmed that the NCC had not approved Starlink’s price increase, stating that this action disrespects the authority of the Commission. The NCC had previously condemned Starlink’s move, saying it violated sections of the Nigerian Communications Act, but later withdrew its statement without clarification.
As the third-largest internet provider in Nigeria, Starlink’s price hike has raised concerns about affordability. Other mobile operators, like MTN and Airtel, have been seeking approval for price increases since April but have yet to receive approval from the NCC.
