Starlink, the satellite internet service owned by Elon Musk’s SpaceX, has announced a suspension of its recent decision to raise monthly subscription fees for users in Nigeria.
In a message to subscribers on Thursday, the company, which ranks as Nigeria’s third-largest internet service provider, indicated that the price hike would be on hold while it addresses ongoing regulatory issues.
Starlink, which serves 24 million internet users in the country, reassured customers who had already been charged the increased rate that they would receive a credit. The company also reminded users that they have the option to cancel their subscriptions if they choose.
“Last month, we increased the monthly service price for Starlink in Nigeria to account for inflation, helping us maintain operations and continue delivering reliable service. Today, we are temporarily suspending this price increase as we navigate regulatory challenges,” the company stated. “We remain committed to providing high-speed internet in Nigeria, but we need regulatory support to make the necessary improvements for a better customer experience. Without these approvals, our ability to continue delivering service is at risk.”
The recent price hike, which raised the monthly subscription from N38,000 to N75,000—an increase of 97 percent—prompted significant customer backlash. Additionally, the cost of the installation kit for new users was raised from N440,000 to N590,000, marking a 34 percent increase.
The Nigerian Communications Commission has retracted a previous statement regarding Starlink’s operations, admitting it was issued in error. The NCC urged media outlets to withdraw any related publications, emphasizing that the press statement should not have been released.
The decision to suspend the price increase has also drawn criticism from mobile operators, who, through the Association of Licensed Telecommunication Companies of Nigeria, described the move as a “regulatory affront.” Chairman Gbenga Adebayo voiced the association’s concerns regarding the implications of Starlink’s actions on the telecommunications landscape in Nigeria.
