NCC Retracts Press Statement on Starlink, Calls It an “Error”

The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) has retracted its recently issued press statement concerning the operations of Starlink, a satellite internet service provider.

In a brief message to media outlets on Tuesday, the NCC acknowledged that the statement was released in error and urged editors and journalists to retract any related publications.

“Kindly note that this press statement on Starlink was issued in error. It is hereby WITHDRAWN. If already published, kindly BRING DOWN,” the message, signed by the NCC’s Manager of Media Relations, Kunle Azeez, stated.

The commission’s Director of Public Affairs, Reuben Muoka, had announced plans to take enforcement measures against Starlink for raising its subscription prices in Nigeria without the regulator’s approval.

In a message sent to its customers last week, Starlink announced that the price hike would affect both existing and new customers.

The monthly subscription fee was increased by 97%, rising from N38,000 to N75,000.

Additionally, new users will face a higher cost for the Starlink kit (the hardware needed for installation), which is now priced at N590,000, a 34% increase from the previous price of N440,000.

However, the NCC stated that it had not approved the price increase.

“The decision by Starlink to unilaterally review its subscription packages upwards did not receive the approval of the Nigerian Communications Commission,” Muoka said.

He explained that the commission was “surprised” by the company’s announcement of the price changes, especially since Starlink had filed a request for a price adjustment that the regulator had yet to approve.