The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) has said Starlink reviewed upward its subscription packages unilaterally without its approval.
Starlink, a satellite internet service owned by Elon Musk, the richest man in the world, last Tuesday announced an increase in the prices for its monthly services in Nigeria, jacking it up to N75,000 from N38,000, an increase of 97.37 per cent. The cost of the Starlink hardware was also increased from N440,000 to N590,000.
The telecom regulator in a statement by Reuben Muoka, its Director of Public Affairs said Starlink filed requests for price changes but have not been approved by the commission, stating such contravene its laws.
“We were surprised that the company jumped the gun by announcing price changes after filing a request to the Commission seeking approval for price adjustment for which the Commission was yet to communicate a decision.
“This appears to be a contravention of Sections 108 and 111 of the Nigerian Communications Act (NCA) 2003, and Starlink’s Licence Conditions regarding tariffs”.
He said the Commission will, therefore, take appropriate enforcement measures against any action by a licensee capable of eroding the regulatory stability of the telecommunications industry.
Starlink, which attributed the increase to inflation, said the price of the mobile-regional roam unlimited is now N167,000 and the mobile-global roam service is N717,000.
Micheal has over 5 years experience in digital journalism. He’s a New Media Expert with an interest in Human Development and Global Politics.