NCC begins pre-enforcement action against Starlink for hiking subscription prices

The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) has commenced pre-enforcement action on Starlink, a satellite internet service provider owned by Elon Musk, the richest person in the world.

In a statement on Tuesday, Reuben Muoka,  director of public affairs at NCC, said the action began on October 3 – two days after the satellite company hiked its subscription prices.

“The decision by Starlink to unilaterally review their subscription packages upwards, did not receive the approval of the Nigerian Communications Commission,” Muoka said.

“The action of the company is in contravention of Sections 108 and 111 of the Nigerian Communications Act, 2003, and Starlink’s License Conditions regarding tariffs.

“The Commission commenced pre-enforcement action on the licensee on the 3rd of October, 2024.”

Section 111 says NCC can levy financial penalties on a licence holder who “exceeds the tariff duly approved by the commission”.