Satellite internet provider Starlink, owned by Elon Musk, has announced a significant increase in its subscription prices across Nigeria. The new rates, nearly double of the old rates, take effect immediately for new subscribers. Existing ustomers will see the changes reflected in their bills starting January 27, 2025.
In an email to subscribers, the company said the price adjustments were essential to improving its infrastructure and maintaining reliable service.
“To continue enhancing the Starlink network and provide reliable, high-quality service across Nigeria, we are adjusting our monthly subscription prices. These changes reflect our commitment to investing in the infrastructure needed to support and improve your experience with Starlink,” the email stated.
Under the new pricing, the lowest tier subscription will double from ₦38,000 to ₦75,000 per month. Other plans have also seen steep increases, with the Mobile – Regional (Roam Unlimited) plan set at ₦167,000 and the Mobile – Global (Global Roam) plan now costing ₦717,000 monthly.
The hike follows an earlier attempt in September to increase rates, during which the standard plan rose from ₦38,000 to ₦75,000—a 97% jump—citing inflation as the justification.
However, this adjustment was met with regulatory backlash. The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) initially threatened to sanction Starlink for implementing the price hike without prior approval but later withdrew its statement.
While Starlink temporarily suspended the increase and offered credits to affected customers, it appears to be moving forward with the adjustments, aligning with the NCC’s anticipated approval of telecom tariff increases in the first quarter of 2025. According to reports from TechCabal, the NCC is expected to greenlight price adjustments, a move likely to influence broader pricing strategies across the Nigerian telecom sector.
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Starlink, which launched in Nigeria in December 2022 as the first African country to access its satellite-based internet service, has been lauded for bridging connectivity gaps in remote and underserved areas. However, its pricing model has faced criticism for being unaffordable for the average Nigerian, particularly during a period of economic challenges.
The company said subscribers dissatisfied with the changes have the option to cancel their subscriptions at any time.
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