Starlink, the satellite internet provider, has informed its users in Nigeria about significant changes to its subscription pricing. The company plans to almost double the fees for its services, with the minimum subscription tier rising dramatically from ₦38,000 to ₦75,000 per month. Also, the cost of the mobile global roaming service has seen a steep hike, now priced at ₦717,000.
The potential changes will take effect from January 27, 2025. As a result, all new users will be expected to pay the proposed price from the date onward, meanwhile, existing users can expect this adjustment reflected in their upcoming billing statements.
This was included in an email directed to Starlink users to inform them about the recent update; the email read, “To continue enhancing the Starlink network and provide reliable, high-quality service across Nigeria, we are adjusting our monthly subscription prices. These changes are part of our ongoing commitment to investing in the infrastructure needed to improve your experience with Starlink.”
In October 2024, Starlink made an attempt to raise the prices of its services for users in Nigeria but their efforts did not come to fruition as they were opposed by the Nigerian Communication Commission (NCC), an independent National Regulatory Authority for the telecommunications industry in Nigeria.
The regulatory body argued that Starlink did not follow due process and therefore, disapproved their proposal.
This second wave of Starlink subscription price hikes comes a few days after the Nigerian Communication Commission (NCC) revealed its intention to approve the tariff hike which Nigerian telecommunication operators have lobbied for years; the hike is set to commence in the first quarter of 2025.
While anticipating the approval from NCC, Starlink has deemed it necessary to also alert its users about the increment in their pricing that will ensue very soon. However, the increment isn’t auguring well with the Nigerian users as the new price tag is slightly above the country’s minimum wage. Nigerians have deemed the increment as “exorbitant” amid the unpleasant economic situation in the country.
The hike also comes at a seemingly wrong time for Nigerian users as it coincides with rising inflation and declining purchasing power, among other economic challenges that are embroidered in this “T-pain Era”, a coinage that describes the suffering of the common Nigerians.
Starlink undoubtedly offers premium services and fast internet connectivity, but the recent price increase is set to have a major impact on its users in Nigeria. This is especially true for lower- and middle-class Nigerians who genuinely value Starlink’s services but may struggle to afford the new rates.
Consequently, Starlink users in Nigeria may consider switching to alternative Internet Service Providers (ISPs) that offer more affordable and reliable Internet service. This potential exit could result in Starlink losing quite a number of its customers to its competitors, which may have an enormous impact on its market.
