In a communication sent to subscribers on Thursday, Nigeria's third-largest internet service provider indicated that the price hike would be deferred as it works to resolve regulatory issues.
The company, which serves 24 million internet users, assured those who have already been billed at the new rate that they would receive a credit.
Additionally, it informed users that they have the option to cancel their subscriptions if they choose to do so.
“Last month, we increased the monthly service price for Starlink in Nigeria to account for inflation, helping us maintain operations and continue delivering reliable service.
“Today, we are temporarily suspending this price increase as we navigate regulatory challenges. We remain committed to providing high-speed internet in Nigeria, but we need regulatory support to make the improvements necessary for a better customer experience.
“Without these approvals, our ability to continue delivering service is at risk,” the company noted.
The company increased its monthly subscription by 97 percent three weeks ago, raising it from N38,000 to N75,000, which has led to customer complaints regarding the significant price hike.
Additionally, Starlink has raised the cost of its installation kit for new users from N440,000 to N590,000, marking a 34 percent increase.
The Nigerian Communications Commission has retracted its previous statement concerning Starlink's operations, as communicated in a brief message to media outlets.
The NCC recognized that the statement was issued in error and requested that editors and journalists withdraw any related articles.
“Kindly note that this press statement on Starlink was issued in error. It is hereby WITHDRAWN. If already published, kindly BRING DOWN,” the message, signed by the NCC’s Manager of Media Relations, Kunle Azeez, stated.
The mobile network opera”ors, represented by the Association of Licensed Telecommunication Companies of Nigeria (ALTON), expressed their strong disapproval of the recent decision, describing it as a “regulatory affront.”