The Association of Licensed Telecommunication Companies of Nigeria (ALTON) has strongly criticized Starlink’s decision to raise internet subscription prices without obtaining prior approval from the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC). ALTON labeled this move as a significant affront to the regulatory authority.
Starlink, which has gained a significant following in Nigeria with nearly 24,000 subscribers, increased its monthly subscription fees by 97% and hardware kit prices by 34% in early September. The company cited “excessive inflation” as the reason for these adjustments.
ALTON Chairman, Gbenga Adebayo, emphasized the importance of strict adherence to regulatory guidelines within the Nigerian telecommunications sector. He reiterated that operators must obtain NCC’s approval before making any tariff adjustments.
The NCC, tasked with regulating Nigeria’s telecommunications industry, had previously condemned Starlink’s price hike, stating that it violated the Nigerian Communications Act of 2003 and the company’s operating license conditions. The regulator even threatened to take enforcement measures to ensure regulatory stability.
However, the NCC later withdrew its statement, claiming it was issued in error. This inconsistency has raised questions about the regulator’s stance on the matter.
Meanwhile, other mobile operators like MTN, Airtel, and Globacom have been seeking approval to raise their tariffs for several months. While the NCC has not yet granted this approval, it has encouraged operators to explore innovative ways to sustain their businesses.
ALTON Chairman Adebayo stated that telcos are actively engaging stakeholders to discuss concerns about the sustainability of the telecommunications industry, with tariff reviews being a key topic of discussion.
The ongoing debate over tariff increases in Nigeria’s telecommunications sector highlights the need for a balanced approach that addresses the concerns of both operators and consumers.
