Satellite internet provider Starlink has announced a significant increase in its subscription rates for Nigerian users, nearly doubling its current prices. The new pricing structure, effective from January 27, 2025, will see the minimum subscription fee rise from ₦38,000 to ₦75,000 per month. Additionally, the mobile global roaming service will now cost ₦717,000 monthly.
The changes were communicated through an email to customers, explaining that the price adjustment was necessary to maintain and enhance the quality of service. The email stated, “To continue enhancing the Starlink network and provide reliable, high-quality service across Nigeria, we are adjusting our monthly subscription prices. These changes are part of our ongoing commitment to investing in the infrastructure needed to improve your experience with Starlink.”
This announcement marks Starlink’s second attempt at raising its prices in Nigeria. In October, the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) rejected a similar proposal due to the company’s failure to seek regulatory approval. However, the latest move aligns with the NCC’s recent announcement of plans to approve tariff hikes for telecommunication operators starting in the first quarter of 2025.
The new pricing structure has sparked widespread concern among Nigerian users, many of whom consider the rates exorbitant given the country’s economic challenges. At ₦75,000 per month, the cost of a Starlink subscription surpasses Nigeria’s minimum wage, raising affordability issues for low- and middle-income users.
While Starlink’s high-speed internet services are widely regarded as premium, the sharp price hike could prompt users to seek more affordable alternatives. This shift may lead to a decline in Starlink’s customer base, benefiting competing Internet Service Providers (ISPs) in the Nigerian market.
The company’s decision has ignited debate about the accessibility of quality internet services in Nigeria, with users and industry experts alike calling for a balance between service quality and affordability.
