By The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) has announced that it plans to take action against Starlink, Elon Musk’s satellite internet service, over a price increase that was made without approval.
According to a statement released by NCC’s Director of Public Affairs, Reuben Muoka, Starlink raised its monthly subscription fee by 97%, from ₦38,000 to ₦75,000. The price of the Starlink installation kit also went up by 34%, from ₦440,000 to ₦590,000.
Starlink informed its customers about the price hike last week, but the NCC clarified that it had not approved these changes. Muoka explained that Starlink had submitted a request for a price increase, but the NCC had not yet approved it.
Muoka said that Starlink’s move violates sections 108 and 111 of the Nigerian Communications Act, which regulate the setting of telecom tariffs. Under these laws, no telecom company can raise its prices without getting approval from the NCC, and the NCC has the authority to fine companies that go beyond the approved rates.
The NCC has not yet specified what penalties Starlink could face, but it has stressed the importance of following regulations to ensure stability in the Nigerian telecom industry.
