NCC retracts statement on Starlink operations

The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) has officially retracted its recent press statement concerning the operations of Starlink, a satellite internet service provider.

In a brief communication sent to media outlets on Tuesday, the NCC admitted that the statement was issued in error and urged editors and journalists to withdraw any publications related to it.

The move underscores the NCC’s commitment to accuracy in its communications and its ongoing regulatory oversight of the telecommunications sector.

“Kindly note that this press statement on Starlink was issued in error. It is hereby WITHDRAWN. If already published, kindly BRING DOWN,” the message, signed by the NCC’s Manager of Media Relations, Kunle Azeez, stated.

The commission’s Director of Public Affairs, Reuben Muoka, had announced plans to take enforcement measures against Starlink, for raising its subscription prices in Nigeria without the regulator’s approval.

In a message sent to its customers last week, Starlink said the price hike would affect both existing and new customers.

The monthly subscription fee was increased by 97%, from N38,000 to N75,000.

Additionally, new users will face a higher cost for the Starlink kit (the hardware needed for installation), which is now priced at N590,000, up 34% from the previous price of N440,000.

However, the NCC stated that it had not approved the price increase.

“The decision by Starlink to unilaterally review its subscription packages upwards did not receive the approval of the Nigerian Communications Commission,” Muoka said.

He explained that the commission was “surprised” when the company announced the price changes, despite having filed a request with the NCC for a price adjustment, which the regulator had yet to approve.