Starlink suspends price hike in Nigeria amid regulatory challenges

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October 25, 2024
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2 min read
Starlink dish
  • Starlink has suspended its planned increase in monthly Internet subscriptions for Nigerian users.
  • Per a message sent to subscribers, the Internet provider explained that the increment will be put on hold while it addresses regulatory concerns.
  • Starlink reiterated its commitment to providing high-speed Internet in Nigeria, noting that it needs regulatory support to make the improvements necessary for a better customer experience. It included that, without these approvals, its ability to maintain service delivery is at risk.

“Last month, we increased the monthly service price for Starlink in Nigeria to account for inflation, helping us maintain operations and continue delivering reliable service. Today, we are temporarily suspending this price increase as we navigate regulatory challenges,” Starlink said. 

Recall that in a later withdrawn statement, the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) had said that it didn’t approve Starlink’s price increment, raising concerns over its compliance with local regulations.

In early October, Starlink doubled its subscription prices in Nigeria, citing “excessive levels of inflation.” It announced that the standard residential plan with a 1TB fair usage policy will now cost ₦75,000 ($48), up from ₦38,000 ($24) while the price for Starlink kits remains unchanged at ₦440,000.

The price for regional roaming — which allows users to access Starlink services beyond their homes or workplaces within Africa — was also increased to ₦167,000 per month from ₦49,000 while international roaming will cost ₦717,000 per month. 

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Meanwhile, the Internet provider mentioned in the new message that customers who have already been charged at a higher rate will receive a one-time credit on their account to cover the difference. It added that customers have the flexibility to cancel the service at any time.

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Amid this development, Starlink has reportedly increased the standard kit price from $350 to $389 in Zimbabwe. This is on the heels of the significant transformation within the country's telecommunications industry following the arrival of the satellite Internet service provider. 

Per reports, local Internet service providers (ISPs) now slash prices to compete with the high-speed satellite Internet provider. The surge in demand has also led Zimbabwean consumers to bypass local resellers, who once charged exorbitant prices for the kits, and instead order directly from the company’s website.

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