The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) has announced its plan to take enforcement actions against Starlink.
The satellite internet company owned by Elon Musk would be charged for increasing its subscription prices without regulatory approval.
The satellite internet service recently raised its monthly fees by 97%, from N38,000 to N75,000, affecting both new and existing customers.
Additionally, the cost of the Starlink installation kit was hiked by 34%, bringing it to N590,000, up from the previous N440,000.
In a statement released on Tuesday, the NCC’s Director of Public Affairs, Reuben Muoka, expressed the commission’s disapproval, stating that Starlink had not obtained the necessary clearance to raise its prices.
“The decision by Starlink to unilaterally review its subscription packages upwards did not receive the approval of the Nigerian Communications Commission,” he said.
Report has it that despite having filed a request for a price adjustment, Starlink proceeded with the increase before the NCC could grant approval.
This action is seen as a violation of Sections 108 and 111 of the Nigerian Communications Act (NCA) 2003, as well as the terms of Starlink’s licence regarding tariffs.
“The action of the company appears to be a contravention of Sections 108 and 111 of the Nigerian Communications Act (NCA) 2003, and Starlink’s Licence Conditions regarding tariffs,” Muoka explained.
Section 108 grants the NCC the authority to regulate telecom tariffs, making it mandatory for all licensees to obtain tariff approval before imposing any charges on services.
Section 111 further empowers the NCC to impose financial penalties on licensees that exceed approved tariffs, regardless of other legal provisions.
“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,” the Act stipulates.
The NCC confirmed that it would take appropriate steps to ensure Starlink complies with the country’s regulatory framework, warning that the company’s actions could undermine stability in the telecommunications sector.
In a separate development, Starlink’s CEO Elon Musk has launched a political initiative in the U.S. aimed at incentivizing registered voters.
Musk’s programme offers $47 to individuals who successfully refer voters from swing states to sign a petition promoting free speech and the right to bear arms.
“For every person you refer who is a swing state voter, you get $47! Easy money,” Musk declared in a post on X.
The initiative, hosted by Musk’s America PAC, seeks to gather 1 million signatures, aiming to influence the outcome of the upcoming U.S. elections by targeting voters in key battleground states.