Starlink pauses kit orders pending NCC price review

Starlink has paused orders for satellite kits across Nigeria and stated that this suspension will be lifted after the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) approved its move for a price increase.

“We are committed to providing high-speed internet in Nigeria and are working closely with regulators to make adjustments that will improve the customer experience. “We are putting new Housing orders on hold until these changes are approved,” the company said.

Despite this announcement, the top-end Business Plan at N159,000 for a monthly subscription has maintained its price compared to the Residential Plan at N38,000 per month.

Recall that Starlink announced a 97 per cent price increase for its monthly subscription from N38,000 to N75,000. Starlink kits (hardware) increased by 34 per cent from N440,000 to N590,000, with the company blaming inflation.

Also read: NCC to sanction Starlink for breaking regulatory chain

However, the NCC responded by saying it did not approve Starlink’s subscription price increase, citing sections 108 and 111 of the Nigerian Communications Act 2003 and tariff license conditions.

Additionally, Starlink has paused orders due to capacity in five major cities, including Lagos, Abuja, Port-Harcourt, Benin City and Warri. Similarly, in Harare, the capital of Zimbabwe, the business license sold out less than two months after it was obtained.

However, this new development in Nigeria stems from the need for price increases.