NCC Threatens Sanctions Against Elon Musk’s Starlink

The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) has threatened to issues sanctions against Elon Musk’s satellite internet service, Starlink for an unapproved rise of subscription prices in Nigeria.

In a statement released by the NCC’s Director of Public Affairs, Reuben Muoka, it was revealed that Starlink had informed its customers of a price increase last week.

The monthly subscription fee has surged by 97 per cent, from N38,000 to N75,000.

Also, the cost of the Starlink kit for new users has risen by 34 per cent, now priced at N590,000, up from N440,000.

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The NCC stated that these price hikes were implemented without its consent.

Mouka said:

“Starlink’s unilateral decision to increase its subscription rates did not receive the approval of the Nigerian Communications Commission.”

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He further explained that the Commission was taken aback by the announcement, especially since Starlink had already submitted a request for a price adjustment, which the NCC had not yet approved.

Muoka again said:

“This action by the company appears to violate Sections 108 and 111 of the Nigerian Communications Act (NCA) 2003, as well as Starlink’s Licence Conditions regarding tariffs.

“The commission will, therefore, take appropriate enforcement measures against any actions by a licensee that could undermine the regulatory stability of the telecommunications industry.”

Section 108 of the NCA 2003 grants the NCC the authority to regulate telecom tariffs, stipulating that no licensee can impose charges for services without obtaining tariff approval from the commission.

Section 111 empowers the NCC to impose financial penalties on any licensee that exceeds approved tariffs, regardless of other legal provisions.

The Act states:
“Notwithstanding any other provision of this Act, the commission shall prescribe and enforce appropriate financial penalties upon any holder of an individual licence who exceeds the tariff rates duly approved by the commission for the provision of any of its services.”