Starlink, the satellite internet provider, has announced an increase in its subscription fees for Nigerian customers.
The adjustment, which the company attributes to the disturbing economic situations, affects both new and existing users of its services.
For new customers, the price hike took immediate effect, while current customers will experience the changes from October 31, 2024.
The new subscription rate for the standard residential plan will now be ₦75,000, while the mobile regional plan (roam unlimited) is set at ₦167,000. The mobile global package, which provides global roaming services, has been raised to ₦717,000.
The company justified the new pricing structure by pointing to the impact of inflation, explaining that it needed to revise its service fees to stay in line with the ongoing economic challenges.
In a communication sent to its subscribers, Starlink stated that the high costs of maintaining its service in the face of Nigeria’s economic instability had made the adjustment necessary.
For those unwilling to continue under the new rates, Starlink reassured customers that they could cancel their subscriptions at any point without incurring penalties.
This is the second time Starlink has raised its subscription fees in Nigeria since its launch. Earlier, the price of its satellite hardware had been subjected to multiple adjustments, both upward and downward.
Starlink initially entered the Nigerian market in January 2023, after months of pre-orders, during which Nigerian customers paid in dollars. At launch, the company adjusted its pricing to reflect naira values.
Over the past year, Starlink has made efforts to capture a larger portion of the Nigerian internet service market, even reducing its hardware prices at various points.
Despite being priced higher than local Internet Service Providers (ISPs), Starlink has managed to attract attention, particularly from customers in areas underserved by traditional ISPs.
Data from the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) shows that Starlink’s customer base has expanded rapidly. By the end of 2023, the company had amassed nearly 24,000 subscribers, positioning it as the third-largest ISP in the country. This rapid growth has eclipsed the customer bases of many ISPs that have operated in Nigeria for much longer.
Starlink’s unique selling point, its ability to provide internet services in remote areas, has made it a popular choice for Nigerians seeking reliable connectivity, especially in regions where conventional ISPs struggle to offer adequate coverage.
However, with the latest price increase, it is not yet known how many of Starlink’s customers will continue using the service, particularly given the economic pressures already faced by consumers.
