Starlink, the satellite internet service owned by Elon Musk’s SpaceX, has suspended its earlier announced price increase for Nigerian users.
A message from the Starlink Team on Thursday noted that the suspension of the price hike is temporary, adding that the latest decision is to navigate regulatory challenges.
Investors King had on October 2 reported that the internet service inflated its prices owing to rising inflation in Nigeria.
The monthly subscription fee had risen by 97 percent, from N38,000 to N75,000, as customers expressed displeasure over the significant increment.
Starlink had also said that new users would also face a higher cost for the Starlink kit (hardware for installation), which was to be priced at N590,000, a 34 percent increase from the previous price of N440,000.
Meanwhile, about 22 days after, the internet company rescinded its decision to increase the price, citing some regulatory challenges.
Even though the company stated that the increment would have enabled it to deliver reliable service for its users, it pointed out that it could no longer proceed with it in the meantime.
According to the company, it needed regulatory support to make the improvements necessary for a better customer experience.
While assuring customers who had already subscribed to packages carrying the hiked prices that their account would be credited, the company declared that users could still cancel their services.
The message by Starlink to its customers read, “Last month, we increased the monthly service price for Starlink in Nigeria to account for inflation, helping us maintain operations and continue delivering reliable service.
“Today, we are temporarily suspending this price increase as we navigate regulatory challenges.
“If you’ve already been charged at the higher rate, a one-time credit will be applied to your account to cover the difference. You also have the flexibility to cancel your service at any time.
“We remain committed to providing high-speed Internet in Nigeria, but we need regulatory support to make the improvements necessary for a better customer experience. Without these approvals, our ability to continue delivering service is at risk.
“Thank you for choosing Starlink and supporting our mission to bring affordable, high-speed internet to more people as many people around the world as possible.”
