The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) has strongly condemned Starlink’s recent decision to unilaterally increase its subscription packages without obtaining the necessary regulatory approval.
Last week, Starlink announced a significant price hike of 97.36 per cent for its residential users in Nigeria, citing the country’s rising inflation. The new pricing, effective October 31, 2024, for existing customers, has sparked widespread concern among local internet service providers (ISPs) who have been denied price increase requests by the NCC for over two years due to foreign exchange shortages, inflation, and other economic challenges.
The stakeholders interviewed by Daily Sun lamented the implementation of the new price by Starlink in Nigeria under the watch of NCC is an insult to local operators, who continue to invest all their resources in the country to expand telecom service but are not permitted to review their prices despite the rising costs of operation.
However, in a telephone conversation with Daily Sun, the NCC spokesperson, Mr. Reuben Muoka, emphasized that Starlink’s actions contravene Sections 108 and 111 of the Nigerian Communications Act, 2003, as well as the specific tariff-related conditions outlined in its license.
He said, “The decision by Starlink to unilaterally review their subscription packages upwards, did not receive the approval of the Nigerian Communications Commission.
The action of the company is in contravention of Sections 108 and 111 of the Nigerian Communications Act, 2003, and Starlink’s License Conditions regarding tariffs.”
He said that in response to this unauthorized move, the Commission initiated pre-enforcement proceedings against Starlink on October 3, 2024.
The NCC is committed to ensuring that all telecommunications operators operating within Nigeria adhere to the established regulatory framework and prioritize the interests of Nigerian consumers.
