The Nigerian Communications Commission’s delay in granting regulatory approval has prompted Starlink, Elon Musk’s satellite internet service, to suspend orders for its residential kits in Nigeria, the company has said.
Residential kits, which include essential equipment such as a satellite dish, router, and cables, are crucial for home users to access Starlink’s satellite internet service.
Our correspondent reports that the suspension became evident when customers attempted to place orders on the company’s website on Wednesday.
Instead of completing an order, users were met with a message explaining the pause was due to ongoing regulatory reviews.
“We’re committed to providing high-speed internet in Nigeria and are working closely with regulators to make adjustments that will improve the customer experience.
“Until these changes are approved, we are placing new residential orders on hold. Place a deposit now to reserve your Starlink, and you will receive a notification once orders resume,” the message read.
Efforts to reach the NCC’s Director of Public Affairs, Reuben Mouka, for comments on the situation were unsuccessful, as he did not respond to calls from The PUNCH.
The commission’s Head of Media Relations, Omoniyi Ibietan did not also respond to calls
This development follows Starlink’s earlier attempt in October to increase its monthly subscription fee for the Residential Plan by 97 percent, from N38,000 to N75,000.
The NCC opposed the move, stating it violated Sections 108 and 111 of the Nigerian Communications Act of 2003 and breached the terms of Starlink’s operating license. The company later reversed the price hike after the NCC’s intervention.
Starlink has grown rapidly in Nigeria, becoming the third-largest internet service provider by the end of 2023, with over 23,000 subscribers.
This is not the first time Starlink has paused orders in Africa. Two weeks ago, the company temporarily stopped new sign-ups in several African cities, citing overwhelming demand.
Elon Musk, Starlink’s owner, acknowledged the capacity constraints in a post on X (formerly Twitter), stating, “Starlink is working to increase Internet capacity in dense urban areas in Africa as fast as possible. Please note that there is still significant capacity outside of city centres.”
The suspension highlights the challenges foreign technology companies face in navigating Nigeria’s regulatory landscape while balancing consumer demand.
