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Starlink, the satellite internet service owned by Elon Musk, has reversed its recent price increase in Nigeria after facing pushback from customers and regulators.
The price hike, announced last month, had raised the monthly subscription fee from ₦38,000 to ₦75,000, with the cost of hardware kits jumping from ₦440,000 to ₦590,000. Starlink said the changes were to cover inflation and operating costs.
However, the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) opposed the move, saying Starlink violated its license terms by implementing the changes without prior approval. The NCC argued that such actions could disrupt regulatory stability in the telecom sector.
Starlink’s Reversal
Following the NCC’s intervention, Starlink temporarily suspended the price hike and promised to credit customers who had already paid the higher rates.
“We initially raised prices to address inflation and keep our services running smoothly. Now, we are suspending this increase to address regulatory concerns,” the company said.
Starlink reassured customers of its commitment to making internet access affordable and reliable in Nigeria.
Partnerships to Boost Access
Starlink’s operations in Nigeria are supported by partnerships with TD Africa, a tech distributor, and Konga, an e-commerce platform.
- TD Africa ensures Starlink kits are available nationwide and across West Africa.
- Konga runs a dedicated shop for Starlink products, making it easier for Nigerians to access satellite internet.
These partnerships aim to improve connectivity in underserved areas, promote digital inclusion, and support economic growth, education, and healthcare development.
What This Means
The price reversal is a relief for Nigerians and a step toward maintaining regulatory compliance. It also highlights the importance of balancing affordability with innovation as Nigeria works to expand internet access nationwide.
