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Nigeria Launches Sanctions Process Against Starlink for Increasing Prices

15:59, 10 October 2024

Christina Glazkova

Writer / Editor

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Starlink is a satellite network designed to provide broadband internet access anywhere on the planet. In 2023, Nigeria became the first African country to gain access to the Starlink network.

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Nigeria announced sanctions against Starlink on Monday after billionaire Elon Musk's satellite internet service raised prices without consulting the country's regulator.

Recently, Starlink nearly doubled its monthly subscription fee to 75,000 naira (around $46) from 38,000 naira (almost $23.5), citing "excessive inflation," and the equipment fee increased by 34% to 590,000 naira (about $363).

However, according to Nigerian law, telecommunications license holders must obtain approval from officials before raising tariffs or fees.

"The decision by Starlink to unilaterally review its subscription packages upwards did not receive the approval of the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC). […] The commission commenced pre-enforcement action on the licensee [...]," stated the NCC.

Sub-Saharan Africa

Botswana Rejects Elon Musk's Proposal for Starlink Satellite Operations

4 February, 13:37

Musk said in early October that "Starlink prices must roughly match the rate of inflation in any given country." The country's National Bureau of Statistics said the overall inflation rate in August was 32.15%, down slightly from 33.40% in July.