Starlink, Elon Musk’s satellite internet service, has announced a significant increase in its monthly subscription fees across Nigeria, set to take effect immediately for new customers and from January 27, 2025, for existing users.
In an email sent to subscribers on Friday, the company explained that the price adjustments are necessary to support the enhancement of its network infrastructure and ensure the continued delivery of high-quality internet service across the country.
The new pricing structure is as follows:
- Standard (Residential): N75,000
- Mobile – Regional (Roam Unlimited): N167,000
- Mobile – Global (Global Roam): N717,000
“These changes reflect our ongoing commitment to investing in the infrastructure needed to improve and support your Starlink experience,” the company stated.
Subscribers were also informed that they have the option to cancel their service at any time if they no longer wish to continue.
This price hike follows a previous attempt in September when Starlink raised its fees by 97%, from N38,000 to N75,000 per month. At the time, the company cited inflation and rising operational costs as the reasons for the increase.
The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) initially threatened to sanction Starlink for implementing the price hike without approval, only to later retract the statement, which caused confusion over the regulatory process.
In response to backlash, Starlink temporarily suspended the price increase and offered credits to affected customers as it worked through the regulatory challenges.
Since launching in Nigeria in December 2022, Starlink has been praised for expanding internet access to remote and underserved areas. However, its pricing model has faced criticism for being out of reach for many Nigerians, especially at a time when the country is grappling with economic hardship.
The latest price adjustment is likely to reignite concerns about the accessibility and affordability of Starlink’s service for the wider population, raising questions about its long-term viability in the Nigerian market.
