*The Nigerian Communications Commission says the decision of Starlink, a satellite Internet provider, to unilaterally review the company鈥檚 subscription packages upwards did not receive the approval of the country鈥檚 telecoms sector regulator, stating the Commission has since commenced a 鈥榩re-enforcement action鈥� on the licensee

Gbenga Kayode | 绿帽献妻

The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) has said the decision of Starlink, a satellite Internet provider, to unilaterally review the company鈥檚 subscription packages upwards did not receive the approval of the country鈥檚 telecoms sector regulator.

Mr. Reuben Muoka, Director of Public Affairs at NCC, who said this in a terse statement issued October 8, 2024, affirmed the company鈥檚 action 鈥渋s in contravention of Sections 108 and 111 of the Nigerian Communications Act (NCA), 2003, and Starlink鈥檚 Licence Conditions regarding tariffs.鈥�

The statement also noted: 鈥淭he Commission commenced pre-enforcement action on the licensee on the 3rd of October, 2024.鈥�

绿帽献妻 reports Starlink network, a satellite Internet constellation, is designed, owned, and operated by Starlink Services, LLC, a wholly-owned subsidiary of American aerospace company SpaceX, the world鈥檚 leading provider of launch services, providing coverage to over 100 countries and territories across the globe.

Starlink also aims to provide global mobile Broadband connectivity to telecoms consumers.

Starlink attributes rate hikes to 鈥榚xcessive levels of inflation鈥� in Nigeria

Starlink network recently announced an increase in Telco鈥檚 monthly subscription rates for Nigerians telecoms consumers.

The company, in a message sent consumers at the time said the rate increments would affect both current and new customers.

According to Starlink, standard residential package would go for N75,000, mobile regional (roam unlimited) new price fixed at N167,000; and mobile global (global roam) package is N717,000.

The company equally disclosed in the message that the price hikes are effective immediately for fresh customers but effective from October 31, 2024, for existing users.

It is further noted that the telecoms firm attributed the price hike regime to 鈥渆xcessive levels of inflation鈥�, which stated had made it necessary to adjust service fees in line with economic realities in Nigeria.

The company鈥檚 message to customers also reads: 鈥淵our monthly service price will increase in one month, starting from 31 October 2024. For new customers, the price increase takes effect immediately.鈥�

The satellite Internet provider as well said consumers who no longer wish to continue with the service could cancel same at any time without any penalties.