- The Nigeria Communication Commission (NCC) announces plans to sanction Starlink for unauthorised subscription price hikes, raising concerns about regulatory compliance
- The decision follows numerous complaints from subscribers who experienced unexpected increases in their monthly fees, prompting the NCC's investigation
- The NCC emphasises its commitment to consumer protection and regulatory transparency, signalling potential impacts on Starlink's operations in Nigeria
The Nigeria Communication Commission (NCC) has announced plans to sanction Starlink, an international satellite internet provider, for raising subscription prices in Nigeria without the necessary approval.
This development has sparked concerns among consumers and industry stakeholders about regulatory compliance in the telecommunications sector.
The NCC’s intervention comes after numerous complaints from subscribers who noticed an unexpected increase in their monthly fees. The commission stated that service providers are required to seek approval for any pricing changes to ensure transparency and protect consumers from arbitrary hikes.
In a statement released on Sunday,October 6, Ojo Isegun, an NCC spokesperson, Reuben, reiterated the commission’s commitment to maintaining fair practices within the industry:
“We are investigating the matter and will take appropriate actions to ensure that all service providers adhere to regulatory guidelines.”
As the situation with the Elon Musk-owned company unfolds, subscribers and advocates are watching closely to see how the NCC's decision will affect Starlink's operations in Nigeria and the broader implications for telecommunications regulation in the country.
"NIMC has a lot to explain": Sale of Nigerians' data for as low as N100 leaves many angry
Meanwhile, TheRadar had earlier reported that Paradigm Initiative reported that the data of Nigerians are available on an online platform for a N100 fee. Though the NIMC dismissed the allegations, netizens have chided the agency and others for violating their privacy rights.
The organisation said that after an investigation, it found that AnyVerify.com.ng, a website that had been operational since November 2023, was commercialising Nigerians' personal data.
