The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) on Tuesday hinted that it had commenced pre-enforcement action on Starlink, the satellite internet provider owned by SpaceX, over the licensee’s unilateral hike of its subscription tariffs in the country.
The commission’s Director, Public Affairs, Reuben Muoka, confirmed that the pre-enforcement action commenced on the 3rd of October, 2024
According to him, the decision by Starlink to unilaterally review its subscription packages upwards, did not receive the approval of the commission, hence the move by it to ensure that illegalities in the telecoms industry are curbed.
Specifically, the Director stated that the action of the company was in contravention of Sections 108 and 111 of the Nigerian Communications Act, 2003, and Starlink’s Licence conditions regarding tariffs.
Starlink had, in a message to its customers last week, informed them that th monthly subscription fee was increased by 97%, from N38,000 to N75,000 and that the price hike would affect both existing and new customers.
In addition, the company stated that new users would pay higher cost for the Starlink kit (the hardware needed for installation), from the previous price of N440,000 to N590,000, representing 34% increase.
