In a bold move, the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) has announced plans to take enforcement action against Elon Musk’s satellite internet service, Starlink, for unilaterally hiking its subscription prices in Nigeria without obtaining the requisite regulatory approval.
The NCC’s Director of Public Affairs, Reuben Muoka, revealed that Starlink’s decision to increase its monthly subscription fee by a staggering 97% – from N38,000 to N75,000 – and the cost of its hardware kit by 34% – from N440,000 to N590,000 – caught the regulator off guard.
According to Muoka, “The commission was taken aback when Starlink announced the price changes, despite having submitted a request for a tariff adjustment, which is still pending approval.” This move, Muoka emphasized, “flagrantly contravenes Sections 108 and 111 of the Nigerian Communications Act (NCA) 2003, and Starlink’s license conditions regarding tariffs.”
READ MORE: Tunisia’s Presidential Election Ends With Divided Sentiment
The NCC has asserted its authority, stating that it will take “appropriate enforcement measures” to safeguard the regulatory stability of the telecommunications industry. This stance is grounded in Section 108 of the NCA 2003, which empowers the NCC to regulate telecom tariffs, and Section 111, which enables the commission to impose financial penalties on licensees that exceed approved tariffs.
As the NCC prepares to take action, Starlink’s customers in Nigeria are left wondering about the implications of this price hike. The regulator’s swift response aims to protect consumers and maintain fair competition in the Nigerian telecommunications market.
Would you like to know more about the NCC’s regulatory measures or Starlink’s response to the commission’s stance?
