Starlink Halts New Residential Orders in Nigeria Amid Regulatory Hurdles and Price Controversy

November 21, 2024
Starlink Halts New Residential Orders in Nigeria Amid Regulatory Hurdles and Price Controversy
  • Starlink's service is particularly beneficial for communities with limited or no access to conventional broadband services.

  • Starlink has suspended new orders for its residential internet kits in Nigeria as of November 21, 2024, pending regulatory approval to increase prices.

  • The NCC cited violations of the Nigerian Communications Act of 2003 as the reason for their intervention regarding the price hike.

  • By the end of 2023, Starlink had rapidly grown to become Nigeria's third-largest internet service provider, boasting over 23,000 subscribers.

  • In addition to Nigeria, the company is expanding its services in Niger through a recent agreement with the military junta for improved internet coverage.

  • While facing challenges in Nigeria, Starlink has found success in other African countries, including Kenya, where it launched a kit rental option in August 2024 due to high demand.

  • This suspension was confirmed when customers noticed a notice on Starlink's website on November 20, 2024.

  • The cost of Starlink kits has risen by 34%, from $264 to $353, attributed to what the company describes as 'excessive inflation.'

  • Despite the suspension, Starlink remains committed to providing high-speed internet in Nigeria and is working closely with regulators to enhance customer experience.

  • Starlink had previously attempted to raise its monthly subscription fees by 97%, increasing the cost from 38,000 Naira ($23.10) to 75,000 Naira ($45.60) per month, but reversed this decision after intervention from the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC).

  • This suspension follows a trend where Starlink paused new sign-ups in several African cities due to overwhelming demand, as confirmed by Elon Musk.

  • The company encourages customers to place deposits to reserve their service, indicating that the suspension will be lifted once the necessary regulatory changes are implemented.

Summary based on 5 sources


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Starlink suspends orders for residential kits in Nigeria


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