The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) has condemned Starlink's recent upward review of its subscription packages, stating that the company failed to obtain necessary approval before implementing the changes.
Reuben Muoka, Director of Public Affairs at NCC, emphasized that Starlink's unilateral decision to increase prices contravenes Sections 108 and 111 of the Nigerian Communications Act, 2003, as well as the company's license conditions regarding tariffs [3).
Muoka noted that the commission initiated pre-enforcement action against Starlink on October 3, 2024, in response to this breach. He stressed that Starlink's actions undermine regulatory stability in the telecommunications sector.
"The company's decision to adjust its prices without approval undermines regulatory stability in the telecommunications sector," Muoka said. "We will take appropriate enforcement measures against any such actions by licensees."
This move by the NCC demonstrates its commitment to enforcing regulatory compliance and protecting consumers' interests in Nigeria's telecommunications market.
Notably, Starlink has rapidly expanded its presence in Nigeria since launching services in January 2023, becoming the country's third-largest Internet Service Provider (ISP) with 23,897 subscribers as of Q4 2023.