Starlink, a satellite internet company owned by SpaceX, has decided to backtrack on its plan to double subscription prices in Nigeria. This decision comes after Nigerian regulators intervened to block the price increase. The company had initially raised the rates for its standard residential plan and roaming services, with the new prices set to take effect at the end of October.
Despite claims by Elon Musk that the price adjustments were due to inflation, Nigerian regulators emphasized that Starlink had not obtained approval from the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) for the increase. The NCC stated that Starlink’s actions violated certain sections of the Nigerian Communications Act and the company’s licensing terms related to tariffs. As a result, the regulator demanded that Starlink reverse the price hike or face potential sanctions.
The move to raise subscription prices faced backlash in Nigeria, prompting the regulatory intervention. Starlink has now been compelled to maintain its existing pricing structure in compliance with local guidelines for Internet Service Providers.