The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) is facing criticism from the telecom industry due to Elon Musk’s Starlink recently raising its internet subscription price by 97%, making the kits cost N590,000. These people say the NCC is being unfair. They point out that the NCC won’t let local telecom companies increase their prices, but it seems to allow Starlink to do so.
“Starlink only sends its satellite to Nigeria and got an ISP license from the NCC, but it hasn’t invested anything in the country,” said the CEO of a Nigerian ISP.
Section 108 of the Nigerian Communications Act 2003 gives the NCC the power to control telecom prices. But it’s not clear if the NCC approved Starlink’s price increase.
The NCC has stopped local operators from raising prices, saying they need to do a study on costs first. This decision has worried some people in the industry.
The issue with Starlink’s price increase is making people question whether the NCC is being fair and transparent in its regulations.
