Starlink Reverses Price Hike in Nigeria After NCC Directive  

Starlink, Elon Musk’s satellite internet provider, has reversed a recent price hike in Nigeria following regulatory action by the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC). This decision comes three weeks after the NCC blocked the increase, stating that it violated the Nigerian Communications Act (NCA) 2003 and Starlink’s operating license conditions.

It can be recalled that last month, Starlink raised its monthly service fee from N38,000 to N75,000 and increased the cost of hardware kits for new users. Prices for roaming services also saw a significant increase. Local roaming fees were set at N167,000 monthly, and international roaming at N717,000. Starlink had attributed these changes to inflation and adjusted the prices without regulatory approval. The NCC, in response, demanded a reversal. The regulator said the price increase against Sections 108 and 111 of the Nigerian Communications Act, 2003, and Starlink’s Licence Conditions regarding tariffs.

Following the directive, Starlink has temporarily suspended the price increase and announced a one-time credit for customers already billed at the higher rate.

Last month, we increased the monthly service price for Starlink in Nigeria to account for inflation, helping us maintain operations and continue delivering reliable service. Today, we are temporarily suspending this price increase as we navigate regulatory challenges, the company reiterated on Friday.

Through partnerships with tech companies TD Africa and Konga, Starlink has made its satellite internet accessible in Nigeria. However, the harshness of Nigeria’s economic realities is affecting the provider, just like many other businesses in the country.

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