Association of Telecommunications Companies of Nigeria (ATCON) is reportedly demanding a full review of Starlink’s operations in the country after the LEO satellite operator jacked up its prices without regulatory approval.
Last week, according to media reports, Starlink sent a message to its customers in Nigeria saying it will almost double its monthly subscription fee from N38,000 ($23.40) to N75,000, citing excessive inflation.
The message also said Starlink will raise the cost of its terminal kit from N440,000 to N590,000.
Meanwhile, the cost of its regional roaming plan (which allows customers to use terminal kits anywhere in Nigeria rather than a fixed location) will increase from NGN49,000 to NGN167,000.
Reuben Muoka, director of public affairs for the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), said that while Starlink did file a request with the NCC to raise its tariffs, the commission has not yet given official approval.
The NCC also issued a statement saying it would sanction Starlink over the matter, although it retracted the statement later the same day, saying it was “issued in error”.
That said, Starlink could still face disciplinary action, as the Nigerian Communications Act (NCA) 2003 specifically requires telecoms operators to obtain prior approval from the NCC before adjusting any tariffs.
While Starlink said existing customers would not have to pay the adjusted tariffs until October 31 – theoretically giving the NCC time to grant approval – new customers signed on before then would be charged according to the new pricing scheme.
Tony Emoekpere, president, ATCON issued a statement urging the NCC to take action, complaining that Starlink’s unauthorised price hike is unfair to local operators who must follow the same regulations.
Emoekpere also said Starlink’s pricing model creates an uneven playing field because it’s tied to international benchmarks.
“Competing with foreign entities that benchmark against the dollar creates a serious challenge [for Nigerian operators],” he said.
Emoekpere called on the government to review Starlink’s licencing conditions and require them to localize their operations.
“Otherwise, we risk creating an unfair advantage that could harm local players.”
Ironically, Starlink’s planned price increase brings it more in line with equivalent fixed-broadband services in Nigeria.
According to an analysis by Space in Africa, the median monthly subscription fee for six fixed-broadband providers that offer a 1,000GB data package similar to Starlink’s is a little over N74,000
