The Nigerian Communications Commission has withdrawn the press release it had earlier issued about Starlink’s satellite internet service provider operations.
The NCC admitted that the statement was released 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. Hereby, it is withdrawn. The mail, signed by Kunle Azeez, Manager of Media Relations at the NCC, read, “If already published, kindly BRING DOWN.”
Reuben Muoka, the director of public affairs for the commission, has stated that Starlink would face enforcement action for increasing its subscription costs in Nigeria without the regulator’s consent.
In a message issued to its subscribers last week, Starlink stated the price change would affect both existing and new consumers.
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 authorized the price hike, nevertheless.
“The decision by Starlink to unilaterally review its subscription packages upwards did not receive the approval of the Nigerian Communications Commission,” Muoka said.
He explained that the commission was “surprised” when the company announced the price changes, despite having filed a request with the NCC for a price adjustment, which the regulator had yet to approve.
