Starlink commenced its operations in Nigeria in January 2023, marking the nation as the first in Africa to access the service, following a meeting with the NCC over 20 months prior to discuss deployment strategies.

By September 2023, merely eight months post-launch, Starlink had garnered 11,207 active subscribers in Nigeria, positioning itself as the fourth largest Internet Service Provider in the country.

To enhance user adoption, Starlink Nigeria introduced a 21 percent discount on its starter kit in October 2023, lowering the price from N378,000 ($378) to N299,500 ($299).

For those who may be unfamiliar with this offering, it is important to note that while high-speed satellite internet is a key feature, many users prioritize affordability over speed. This information aims to assist you in selecting the most suitable package of Starlink in Nigeria.

The insights shared in this series of articles are based on my experience assisting over 300 individuals in purchasing, activating, and utilizing their Starlink kits throughout Africa. I am eager to share this knowledge with you to help ensure a smooth experience.

What is Starlink?

If this is your first encounter with information about Starlink, let me take a moment to explain this widely discussed internet service. Starlink, a division of SpaceX, an American aerospace manufacturer, is a satellite-based internet provider that has launched over 6,000 satellites into orbit to date. 

This initiative aims to offer global broadband internet coverage. In contrast to conventional internet service providers (ISPs) that depend on terrestrial infrastructure, Starlink utilizes a constellation of low Earth orbit (LEO) satellites to provide fast and reliable internet access to users worldwide, including regions in Africa. This innovative technology is particularly advantageous for areas that have limited or no access to traditional broadband options.

Starlink Internet Packages

Starlink provides a variety of internet packages designed to meet the needs of diverse users, including individuals, families, businesses, and mobile users. Below is a comprehensive overview of the packages available to residents in Nigeria. This discussion primarily focuses on home users.

Types of Data

Starlink offers two categories of data: Standard and Priority.

Standard data serves as the basic service, akin to the ‘mbombera’ of data. Users can typically expect speeds ranging from 50 to 150 Mbps with this type of data, which is considered the ‘normal data’ option. I have frequently encountered individuals who conduct speed tests every few seconds, expressing dissatisfaction when they do not achieve the advertised speeds. 

My perspective has always been, “Does your internet perform its intended functions?” I have known users who successfully stream Netflix while others watch YouTube and TikTok simultaneously, without experiencing any buffering issues. However, a speed test might show results as low as 5 Mbps. Therefore, I contend that these speed tests often serve as mere competitions and do not hold significant value; what truly matters is whether you can access the services you need.

Priority data, as indicated by its name, refers to a service that receives preferential treatment over Standard data. In situations where the network experiences congestion, Starlink will prioritize Priority data, allowing it to access the network first.

It is important to note that all users have access to unlimited Standard data. For those subscribed to Priority packages, once the Priority data is depleted, users will revert to Standard data for the remainder of the billing cycle.

Additionally, Starlink currently does not impose a Fair Usage Policy (FUP) on Standard data, making it genuinely unlimited. Whether you utilize 1,000 Gb or even 25,000 Gb of Standard data, your monthly bill will remain unchanged. However, it is worth mentioning that during periods of network congestion, services that consume significant bandwidth—such as video conferencing, large file downloads, or applications supporting a high number of simultaneous users—may experience deprioritization.

The Starlink Residential Package is the most favored and commonly utilized choice for individuals at home. So, what defines a 'home user'? Starlink considers this package suitable for those using it at their primary residence, intended solely for personal use by you and your family members residing at the same location.

If you reside in a gated community, often referred to as a compound, the situation may differ. It remains unclear whether Starlink monitors the number of active users connected to the service, especially when utilizing third-party equipment that bypasses the Starlink router, or if they assess the total data consumption over a month.

Given this context, it is reasonable to expect that Starlink may terminate your service if you attempt to use it for business, educational, religious, or any purposes outside of residential use, as this package is specifically tailored for typical home activities, ensuring dependable internet access for browsing, streaming, online education, and remote work.

  • Speed: Download speeds generally range from 50 Mbps to 150 Mbps, while upload speeds are between 10 Mbps and 20 Mbps.
  • Data Cap: Unlimited Standard data
  • Estimated Cost: The monthly subscription fee is expected to be approximately US$50.
Please be aware that this package is intended for use at your registered address when you create your account, and it should generally be within a 5Km distance from that location. 

If you plan to travel and wish to use your device there, you will need to update your account with the new address where you will be staying to ensure functionality. Changing addresses within the same country is straightforward; however, if you need to change the country associated with your device, a transfer will be necessary.

Starlink Mobile Regional Package
This package caters to users who wish to operate their Starlink device beyond 5km from their registered address without the need to modify their account details. It enables you to access your device throughout Nigeria and in any other African nation where Starlink is authorized for a duration of two months outside Nigeria. 

Starlink does not guarantee functionality in countries where they lack operational licenses. Therefore, if you subscribe to this package with the intention of roaming in South Africa (where they are not licensed as of late August 2024), the service may be unreliable. This package facilitates internet access while on the move.
  • Speed: Comparable to the Residential package, with download speeds ranging from 50 Mbps to 150 Mbps.
  • Data Cap: Typically unlimited, though performance may fluctuate based on your location and network traffic.
  • Cost: The estimated monthly fee for the Regional Roaming package is around US$100.
  • Mobility: This package is tailored for portability, allowing you to enjoy Starlink services across various locations without needing to change your service address.
It is ideal for adventurers, travelers, and remote workers who are frequently on the go.

Starlink Mobile Global Package
This package mirrors the Mobile Regional option but extends its usability beyond Africa, wherever Starlink holds operational licenses.
  • Speed: Comparable to the Residential package, it provides download speeds ranging from 50 Mbps to 150 Mbps.
  • Data Cap: Typically unlimited, though performance may fluctuate based on your geographical location and network traffic.
  • Cost: The estimated monthly fee for the Global Roaming package is approximately US$400.
  • Mobility: Designed for portability, this package enables users to access Starlink services in various locations without the need to change their service address.
The Mobile Global package caters to global travelers, adventurers, and anyone seeking reliable internet connectivity regardless of their location on the globe.

Starlink Priority Packages
This package is tailored for users who will be stationed at a fixed location and desire priority access to internet services. It offers several capped bundles, and once your bundle is depleted, you will transition to the Standard data plan for the remainder of the month, unless you opt for automatic Priority data usage (which is not advisable, as it can lead to exorbitant bills; one user incurred a charge of US$1,400, making it more economical for them to purchase a new device than to pay that bill).
  • Speed: Offers download speeds between 40 Mbps and 220 Mbps, with upload speeds from 8 Mbps to 25 Mbps.
  • Data Cap: There are four available options: 40Gb, 1Tb, 2Tb, and 6Tb. Once these limits are reached, users will receive Unlimited Standard data.
  • Cost: In Malawi, the retail prices for the packages are approximately US$75 for 40Gb, US$105 for 1Tb, US$205 for 2Tb, and US$620 for 6Tb.
  • Mobility: The Priority package is intended for fixed-location use, with a restriction of not exceeding 5km from the registered address.
This package is perfect for users who prioritize internet speed and reliability, regardless of the associated costs.

Starlink Mobile Priority Packages
The Mobile Priority packages cater to users requiring internet connectivity beyond their registered address and across various countries within a specific region, such as Africa. This offering provides the convenience of seamless internet access while traveling across borders, and users can enjoy 'first in queue' service, prioritizing their connection over standard data users, depending on their chosen data cap.

  • Speed: Similar to the Mobile Regional Roaming package, download speeds range from 40 Mbps to 220 Mbps.
  • Data Cap: This package includes three options: 50GB, 1TB, and 5TB. Once the data limit is reached, users will have access to unlimited Standard data, with prioritization based on network demand.
  • Cost: The pricing for the Mobile Priority packages, based on Malawi rates, is as follows: 50GB – US$300, 1TB – $1,200, and 5TB – $6,000 (six thousand United States dollars).
  • Coverage: Users can utilize their Starlink device in multiple African countries without the need to update their service address.

This package is particularly beneficial for individuals and businesses operating across various countries within the region.

Selecting the Appropriate Starlink Package for Your Requirements
When selecting a Starlink internet package, it is essential to assess your unique needs, location, and financial considerations. Here are some key factors to consider:
  • Location: Verify that the package you select is accessible in your specific area. Some options, like the Mobile Regional package, are intended for use across multiple countries, while others may be more localized.
  • Usage Requirements: Evaluate the number of devices you plan to connect and the nature of your online activities. For users with high internet demands or businesses, the Business or Priority packages may be more appropriate.
  • Budget: Starlink provides a variety of packages, with prices that can differ significantly. Ensure you select a package that aligns with your budget while adequately addressing your internet requirements.
Payment 

Starlink promotes its offering as "unlimited high-speed internet for NGN38,000 monthly, accessible throughout Nigeria with speeds reaching up to 160 Mbps."

Recently, internet service providers significantly reduced their hardware prices by over 45 percent, lowering the cost from nearly N1 million to N440,000. In an effort to enhance adoption rates, Starlink Nigeria introduced a 21 percent discount on its starter kit in October 2023, bringing the price down from N378,000 ($378) to N299,500 ($299).

The Starlink Internet service in Nigeria, while offering high-speed connectivity, is still out of reach for most Nigerian consumers due to the significant initial equipment costs and ongoing subscription fees. 

Additionally, it has formed a partnership with Jumia, the leading e-commerce platform in Nigeria, to promote the service.