The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) has said it would sanction Elon Musk’s internet company, Starlink, for increasing its subscription price in Nigeria without approval from the regulator.
This followed a report published on Sunday by Nairametrics in which stakeholders had accused the telecom regulator of double standard for allowing the price increment while disallowing local telecom operators from increasing their tariffs.
However, in response to this publication’s inquiry on the matter, the Commission’s Director of Public Affairs, Dr. Reuben Muoka, said the NCC did not approve Starlink’s price increment.
According to him, Starlink’s action contravened Sections 108 and 111 of the Nigerian Communications Act, 2003, and its license conditions regarding tariffs.
Muoka in in his response said the telecom regulator was also surprised by the price increment implemented by Starlink.
“The decision by Starlink to unilaterally review their subscription packages upwards did not receive the approval of the Nigerian Communications Commission.
“We were surprised that the company jumped the gun by announcing price changes after filing a request to the Commission seeking approval for price adjustment for which the Commission was yet to communicate a decision.
“The action of the company appears to be a contravention of Sections 108 and 111 of the Nigerian Communications Act, 2003, and Starlink’s License Conditions regarding tariffs.
“The Commission will therefore take appropriate enforcement measures against any action by a licensee that is capable of eroding the regulatory stability of the telecommunications industry,” the DPA stated.