Nigerian Communications Commission to Sanction Starlink Over Unauthorized Price Hike

The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) is set to sanction Elon Musk’s Starlink for raising its subscription fees in Nigeria without obtaining regulatory approval. This comes after Starlink announced a significant price hike, increasing its monthly subscription from N38,000 to N75,000, a 97% rise, impacting both existing and new customers.

In a statement released by Reuben Muoka, NCC’s Director of Public Affairs, the commission expressed its surprise at Starlink’s unilateral decision to increase prices, despite having a request pending with the NCC. The regulatory body clarified that the price adjustment had not been approved and violates sections of the Nigerian Communications Act (NCA) 2003.

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The price hike also affects new customers, with the cost of the Starlink installation kit rising by 34%, from N440,000 to N590,000. According to Muoka, this action breaches Sections 108 and 111 of the NCA, which grant the NCC authority over telecom tariffs and the power to impose penalties on any licensee violating approved rates.

“The commission will take necessary enforcement actions to maintain regulatory stability in the telecommunications sector,” Muoka added. Starlink’s unapproved price hike puts the company at risk of facing financial penalties for exceeding the regulated tariff limits set by the NCC.