Satellite internet provider, Starlink has hinted its Nigerian users about its newly proposed monthly subscription which almost doubles the current rate. The company has revealed that the minimum subscription tier will increase significantly from ₦38,000 to ₦75,000 per month while the mobile global roaming service will now cost ₦717,000 respectively.
The changes are set to be effective from January 27, 2025; consequently, new users will have to pay the newly proposed price while old users will see the adjustment reflected in their forthcoming bills.
This was contained in an email sent to Starlink users to acquaint them with the latest development, the email read, “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.”
Recall that Starlink had earlier attempted to skyrocket the price of her services to Nigerian users in October but their effort didn’t materialize as the Nigerian Communication Commission (NCC) rejected their proposal on the basis of not seeking consent and approval from the necessary regulatory bodies.
The second move of Starlink to increase its price comes days after the NCC disclosed its intention to approve the tariff hike which Nigerian telecommunication operators have lobbied for years. The hike is set to be effective from the first quarter of 2025. Ahead of the approval, Starlink deemed it necessary to also inform its users about the increment in their pricing that will ensue.
The increment however isn’t auguring well with the Nigerian users as the new price tag is slightly above the country’s minimum wage. Nigerians have deemed the increment as “exorbitant” amid the unpalatable economic situation in the country.
While Starlink unarguably renders premium services and high-speed internet connectivity, the price hike will significantly impact its Nigerian users, especially the low-class and middle-class Nigerians who truly appreciate Starlink’s services but may not have the financial capacity to afford them.
This will possibly compel some of the Starlink users to migrate to an alternative Internet Service Provider (ISP) that would be more affordable, thereby making Starlink lose its customers to its competitors.
