By Adedapo Adesanya
The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) has withdrawn and reversed its earlier statement that it did not approve Starlink’s recent price hike and would thereby sanction the company.
In a Tuesday morning statement, the media, including Business Post, reported that the regulator was planning to sanction the satellite Internet Service Provider (ISP) for failing to get regulatory approval before upping its subscription prices.
The NCC said Starlink did not get approval to hike its service plans despite the excuse it gave for the action, vowing to resist it, especially because the government has refused local telecom players like MTN Nigeria, Airtel Nigeria, and others to increase their rates.
“We were surprised that the company jumped the gun by announcing price changes after filing a request to the commission seeking approval for a price adjustment for which the commission was yet to communicate a decision,” the regulator said in a statement earlier today.
The Nigerian Communications Act 2003 (NCA), under Section 108 holds the authority to regulate telecom tariffs. The Act stipulates that NCC licensees cannot charge for services without prior approval of their tariff rates and charges.
Starlink doubled the base subscription rate price to N75,000 per month last week. The company also increased the prices of its kits by over 30 per cent to N590,000.
But in another statement, the NCC made a U-turn, saying it earlier press statement was issued in error.
“Kindly note this press statement was issued in error. It is hereby withdrawn. If published, kindly bring it down,” the NCC wrote in a second mail to media publications.