NCC says pre-enforcement action against Starlink commenced October 3

The Commission’s Director of Public Affairs, Dr Reuben Muoka, stated this in an updated statement on the matter that has generated debates in the telecom industry.

“The Commission commenced pre-enforcement action on the licensee on the 3rd of October 2024,” NCC said in the statement

Naijaonpoint broke the news that NCC would sanction Starlink.

This followed our earlier report in which stakeholders had accused the telecom regulator of a double standard for allowing the price increment while disallowing local telecom operators from increasing their tariffs.

In response to this publication’s inquiry on the matter, Muoka had said the NCC did not approve Starlink’s price increment.

According to him, Starlink’s action contravened Sections 108 and 111 of the Nigerian Communications Act, 2003, and its license conditions regarding tariffs.

He also said the telecom regulator was also surprised by the price increment implemented by Starlink.

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

“We were surprised that the company jumped the gun by announcing price changes after filing a request to the Commission seeking approval for price adjustment for which the Commission was yet to communicate a decision. 

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

 “The Commission will therefore take appropriate enforcement measures against any action by a licensee that is capable of eroding the regulatory stability of the telecommunications industry,” the DPA had stated.

Starlink last week increased monthly subscription for its internet service in Nigeria by 97% from N38,000 to N75,000.