Starlink, Elon Musk’s satellite internet service, has announced a hike in its subscription fees across Nigeria.
It noted that the changes will take effect immediately for new customers and from January 27, 2025, for existing users.
The company, in an email sent to subscribers on Friday, explained that the price revision is essential to bolster its network infrastructure and ensure the continued provision of premium internet services across the country.
The updated pricing is as follows: Standard (Residential) will now cost N75,000 per month, Mobile – Regional (Roam Unlimited) is priced at N167,000, while Mobile – Global (Global Roam) will go for N717,000 monthly.
“These changes reflect our commitment to investing in the infrastructure needed to support and improve your experience with Starlink,” the company stated.
Subscribers who wish to discontinue the service have been informed that they can cancel their subscriptions at any time.
In September, Starlink had proposed a similar price adjustment, raising the monthly subscription fee by 97% from N38,000 to N75,000, citing inflation as the driving factor.
The move faced regulatory pushback from the Nigerian Communications Commission which initially threatened sanctions before retracting the warning, leaving users uncertain about the regulatory stance.
In response to the backlash, Starlink temporarily paused the price hike and offered credits to affected customers while addressing the regulatory concerns.
Since its launch in Nigeria in December 2022, Starlink has been lauded for bringing internet connectivity to remote and underserved regions.
However, its pricing strategy has drawn criticism, with many Nigerians questioning its affordability amidst widespread economic challenges.
This latest increase is likely to deepen concerns about the service’s accessibility to the average Nigerian household.
