The Association of Licensed Telecommunication Companies of Nigeria (ALTON) has criticized Starlink’s recent decision to raise its internet subscription fees without prior approval from the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC).
This action, according to ALTON, undermines the authority of the regulatory body.
Starlink, owned by Elon Musk, increased its monthly subscription fee by 97%, from N38,000 to N75,000, and raised hardware kit prices by 34%, from N440,000 to N590,000.
The company attributed these changes to “excessive inflation,” despite having approximately 24,000 subscribers, as reported by the NCC in May.
Gbenga Adebayo, ALTON’s chairman, emphasized that Nigeria’s telecommunications sector operates under strict regulations that require all providers to obtain NCC approval before implementing any price hikes.
Adebayo stated that Starlink’s actions not only breach regulatory guidelines but also display a lack of respect for the NCC’s authority.
The NCC had previously condemned the price increases, stating they violated sections of the Nigerian Communications Act and the conditions of Starlink’s license.
However, the NCC later withdrew its statement, citing it as an error, leaving its official stance on the matter unclear.
The telecom regulator, which has faced accusations of double standards from industry stakeholders, is expected to take further actions to ensure compliance and protect consumers.
The situation has raised concerns about the affordability and accessibility of internet services in Nigeria, particularly as mobile operators, including MTN and Airtel, have been seeking tariff adjustments for over a decade without approval.
In response, Adebayo noted that telcos are actively engaging with stakeholders to address sustainability issues within the telecommunications industry, highlighting that discussions on tariff reviews are ongoing.
