The Nigerian Communications Commission has withdrew the press release it had earlier published on Starlink’s satellite internet service provider activities.
The NCC admitted that the statement was issued incorrectly in a brief message sent to media outlets on Tuesday. The NCC also asked editors and journalists to withdraw any articles that were linked to the statement.
“Kindly note that this press statement on Starlink was issued in error. It is hereby WITHDRAWN. If already published, kindly BRING DOWN,” the message, signed by the NCC’s Manager of Media Relations, Kunle Azeez, stated.
Reuben Muoka, the director of public affairs for the commission, has stated that Starlink will face enforcement action for increasing its subscription costs in Nigeria without the regulator’s consent.
Starlink informed both current and potential customers that the price increase will impact them in a statement delivered to them last week.
The monthly subscription rate was raised from N38,000 to N75,000, a 97% increase.
New customers will also have to pay more for the Starlink kit, which is now N590,000 (up 34% from N440,000), which is the hardware required for installation.
The NCC asserted that it had not authorised the price hike, nonetheless.
“The decision by Starlink to unilaterally review its subscription packages upwards did not receive the approval of the Nigerian Communications Commission,” Muoka said.
He clarified that although though the firm had submitted a request for a price adjustment to the NCC, which the regulator had not yet approved, the commission was nonetheless “surprised” when the company announced the pricing increases.
