The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) has revealed its intention to implement enforcement actions against Elon Musk's satellite internet service, Starlink, due to its decision to increase subscription prices in Nigeria without prior approval from the regulator. This information was shared in a statement by the commission's Director of Public Affairs, Reuben Muoka, on Tuesday.

In a communication to its customers last week, Starlink announced that the price increase would impact both current and prospective subscribers. The monthly subscription fee has surged by 97%, rising from N38,000 to N75,000. Furthermore, new customers will encounter a higher price for the Starlink kit, which is now set at N590,000, reflecting a 34% increase from the previous cost of N440,000.

The NCC emphasized that it had not sanctioned this price hike. Muoka stated, "Starlink's unilateral decision to raise its subscription fees did not receive the Nigerian Communications Commission's approval." He expressed that the commission was "taken aback" by the company's announcement of the price adjustments, especially since Starlink had submitted a request for a price change that the NCC had not yet approved.

He further noted, "The company's actions seem to violate Sections 108 and 111 of the Nigerian Communications Act (NCA) 2003, as well as Starlink's Licence Conditions concerning tariffs. Consequently, the commission will take necessary enforcement actions against any licensee whose actions threaten the regulatory stability of the telecommunications sector."

Section 108 of the NCA 2003 grants the NCC the authority to regulate telecommunications tariffs, stipulating that no licensee may impose service charges without obtaining tariff approval from the commission. Additionally, Section 111 of the Act allows the NCC to impose financial penalties on any licensee that exceeds the approved tariffs, irrespective of other legal provisions.

The Act states that, regardless of any other provisions, the commission is authorized to establish and impose suitable financial penalties on any individual licensee who charges rates that surpass the tariff rates officially sanctioned by the commission for the delivery of its services.