Starlink Increases Monthly Membership Fees in Nigeria
Elon Musk’s satellite internet business, Starlink, has recently announced a hike in its monthly membership fees across Nigeria. The new prices will come into effect immediately for new customers and starting January 27, 2025, for existing users.
In a communication sent out to its subscribers on Friday, the company stated that the price adjustments are necessary to enhance its network infrastructure and maintain the delivery of high-quality internet services nationwide.
The revised price structure now stands at N75,000 for Standard (Residential), N167,000 for Mobile-Regional (Roam Unlimited), and N717,000 for Mobile-Global (Global Roam).
“Our commitment to investing in the infrastructure needed to support and improve your Starlink experience is reflected in these changes,” the company explained.
Starlink has also assured customers of the option to cancel their membership at any time if they no longer wish to continue using the service.
Earlier in September, Starlink had implemented a price increase, raising the monthly rate from N38,000 to N75,000, a significant 97% jump. The company had cited inflation as the reason behind the adjustment.
However, there was initial regulatory backlash against this move, with the Nigerian Communications Commission threatening to penalize Starlink for the unauthorized increase, only to retract the statement later on.
In response to the regulatory challenges, Starlink offered credits to affected customers and temporarily suspended the price hike amid the public outcry.
While Starlink has been praised for bringing internet connectivity to underserved and remote areas in Nigeria since its launch in December 2022, the company has also faced criticism for its pricing strategy, which some argue is too steep for the average Nigerian consumer.
The latest price adjustment has raised concerns about the affordability and accessibility of Starlink’s services for the general population, especially at a time when many Nigerians are grappling with financial hardships.
