Starlink reverses price hike in Nigeria amid regulatory pushback

Starlink, Elon Musk’s satellite internet service, has rolled back its recent fee increase in Nigeria after facing backlash from customers and the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC).

This decision eases financial pressure on Nigerian consumers and addresses regulatory compliance issues.

Last month, Starlink raised its monthly service fee from N38,000 to N75,000 and increased hardware costs for new users from N440,000 to N590,000, citing inflation. However, the NCC warned that Starlink’s unilateral price adjustment violated the Nigerian Communications Act (NCA) 2003, specifically Sections 108 and 111, which require regulatory approval for pricing changes.

Although Starlink had requested a price review from the NCC, it implemented the changes before receiving formal approval, prompting concerns about regulatory stability. In response, the NCC’s actions have led Starlink to suspend the increase, allowing time to address regulatory concerns and maintain affordability for users.

“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 said.

It added that Starlink will apply a one-time credit for those already billed at the higher rate to cover the difference, reiterating that customers have the option to cancel their subscriptions at any time.

It added that the suspension not only addresses the NCC’s concerns but also reaffirmed Starlink’s commitment to making high-speed internet affordable in Nigeria.

The decision is anticipated to enhance internet penetration across the country, providing individuals, businesses, and communities with better access to reliable digital services.

Starlink’s commitment to Nigeria is further supported by its partnerships with TD Africa and Konga, two major players in the region’s tech and e-commerce sectors.

TD Africa, a leading technology distributor, has facilitated the availability of Starlink kits across Nigeria and West Africa.

Konga, on the other hand, hosts a Starlink shop-in-shop, providing consumers with genuine Starlink kits.

This partnership has been instrumental in making satellite internet more accessible and promoting digital inclusion, with hopes that improved connectivity will drive economic growth, support educational development, and improve healthcare services in underserved regions.