The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) has withdrawn a recent press release concerning the operations of Starlink, the satellite internet service provider.
In a brief message to media outlets on Tuesday, the NCC acknowledged the statement was issued in error, requesting editors and journalists to retract any related publications.
“Please be informed that this press statement regarding Starlink was issued in error and is hereby WITHDRAWN. If published, kindly REMOVE it,” read the message, signed by the NCC’s Manager of Media Relations, Kunle Azeez.
Earlier, the NCC’s Director of Public Affairs, Reuben Muoka, announced plans to sanction Starlink for raising its subscription prices in Nigeria without regulatory approval. Starlink had informed its customers that the price hike would apply to both new and existing users.
The NCC had raised concerns over Starlink’s recent 97% increase in monthly subscription fees, from N38,000 to N75,000. Additionally, the cost of the Starlink kit, required for installation, was raised to N590,000, a 34% jump from the previous N440,000.
Despite this, the commission clarified that it had not authorized the price increase.
“Starlink’s decision to independently raise its subscription prices did not receive approval from the Nigerian Communications Commission,” Muoka stated, adding that the NCC was surprised by the company’s actions, especially since a request for a price review was still pending approval.