Nigerians have expressed disgust over the decision by Elon Musk’s internet service company, Starlink, to increase its monthly subscription for its service in Nigeria by 97%.
The company, while blaming worsening inflation in the country for the rate hike, disclosed that its N38,000 package has now become N75,000.
For new users, the company also increased the price of the Starlink kits (hardware) by 34%, from N440,000 to N590,000.
While Starlink has previously reviewed the price of its hardware in Nigeria both upwards and downwards several times, this is the second time it has increased subscriptions.
In a message to its customers in Nigeria, the company stated that old customers would start paying the increased price by October 31, while new customers would pay the new price immediately.
The company’s message to its customers, as posted on its website, read, “Due to excessive levels of inflation, the Starlink monthly service price will increase from current rates to the respective rates below: Standard (Residential): N75,000; Mobile-Regional (Roam Unlimited): N167,000; Mobile – Global (Global Roam): N717,000.
“As a current customer, your monthly service price will increase in 1 month, beginning on 31 October 2024. For new customers, the price increase is effective immediately.
“If you do not wish to continue your service, you can cancel at any time.”
Starlink is Gaining Traction in Nigeria
Despite its higher costs compared with local ISPs, Starlink, which announced its presence in Nigeria in January 2023, has sparked high interest among Nigerians eager to change their service providers.
The ubiquitous nature of its satellite service also encourages people in areas with poor internet networks to choose Starlink.
Notwithstanding its acceptability, some of its customers have expressed outrage over the price hike, saying it is excessive.
One of those who reacted, Adedayo Abisoye Idowu, said, “The rich just want to continue increasing their wealth by collecting the little from the poor always.”
For Anachuja Philano, the Nigerian government should fix the economy to prevent inflation that forces companies to raise the prices of goods and services.
Philano wrote, “Let the clueless Nigerian government fix their depleted economy. You can’t have an economy that is in shambles and expect prices of goods and services to be low.”
