SpaceX-owned satellite tv for pc supplier Starlink might face sanctions from the Nigerian Communications Fee (NCC) after it elevated subscription charges with out the regulator’s approval. 

One particular person with direct information of the matter mentioned Starlink wrote to the regulator to get approval for the value hike however didn’t look ahead to a response. 

On October 1, 2024, Starlink advised clients a few 100% improve in subscription charges, citing rising inflation. The NCC instantly requested Starlink to reverse the value. hike, which the corporate complied with on Friday. 

“Regulatory enforcement actions don’t essentially finish with fines,” mentioned one NCC supply who requested to not be named so he may converse freely. 

Starlink can be formally knowledgeable of the potential of regulatory motion, the identical particular person mentioned. The corporate will then be anticipated to reply earlier than the the NCC decides. The doable choices might be fines, cautionary notes or nonaction if no wrongdoing is discovered. A choice is anticipated in about two weeks.

Starlink launched in Nigeria in 2023 and has 23,897 energetic subscribers. Nonetheless, telco executives imagine regulators are comfortable on the corporate, permitting them to function with out a phyical presence. 

“This isn’t true,” mentioned an NCC worker who requested to not be named. “Starlink has up to now constructed three touchdown stations out of the 5 the NCC mandated it should construct.  The way in which satellite tv for pc companies function they aren’t required to determine so many presence however they’re doing extra in Nigeria than they’ve performed in different African climes.”