Kehinde Fajobi
The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) has retracted its press release concerning Starlink, the satellite internet provider.
On Tuesday, the NCC issued a message to media outlets acknowledging that the statement, which addressed enforcement action against Starlink over price hikes, was mistakenly released.
“Kindly note that this press statement on Starlink was issued in error. It is hereby WITHDRAWN. If already published, kindly BRING DOWN,” said Kunle Azeez, NCC’s Manager of Media Relations.
The initial statement followed remarks from Reuben Muoka, NCC’s Director of Public Affairs, who had indicated plans to sanction Starlink for increasing its subscription fees in Nigeria without regulatory approval.
Last week, Starlink informed its customers of a price increase, with monthly subscription fees rising by 97%, from ₦38,000 to ₦75,000. The cost of the hardware required for installation (Starlink kit) was also increased by 34%, from ₦440,000 to ₦590,000.
Muoka stated that the NCC was “surprised” by the price changes, which had not been authorised by the commission, despite Starlink filing a request for a price review that was still under consideration.