By OpeOluwa Okudero 
Elon Musk’s Starlink has officially raised its monthly internet subscription rates in Nigeria, a move that highlights the tension between global tech providers and African regulatory and pricing bodies.
According to an email sent to subscribers, Starlink’s residential service will now cost ₦57,000 per month, effective May 30, 2025. For existing customers, the new rate kicks in from June 1, after the current billing cycle ends.
A Persistent Push to Realign Pricing
The announcement marks Starlink’s second major attempt to adjust prices in Nigeria after earlier efforts—spanning from October to December 2024—were blocked by the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC). At the time, the regulator criticised the move as “unilateral”, arguing it flouted Nigeria’s telecommunications pricing rules.
But with this latest announcement, Starlink appears to have gained more regulatory confidence, possibly by refining its communication strategy and aligning better with refund policies. Customers can now request:
A full refund if hardware and service are returned within 30 days of purchase.
A 50% refund on hardware if returned within a year.
Since its launch in January 2023, Starlink has disrupted Nigeria’s internet service landscape with high-speed satellite connectivity, but affordability remains a friction point.
These fluctuations reflect not only Starlink’s premium positioning but also broader macroeconomic pressures. The naira’s depreciation, rising import costs, and persistent inflation have made price stability a moving target for foreign tech firms operating in Nigeria.
The Broader Implication for Digital Inclusion
Starlink’s presence in Nigeria is part of a broader trend of high-tech companies expanding into African markets with growing digital needs. However, this latest price revision could price out segments of the population that initially saw Starlink as a beacon for affordable high-speed connectivity.
The balancing act between affordability and profitability will likely define Starlink’s long-term success in Nigeria. With regulatory bodies like the NCC watching closely and a price-sensitive market responding in real time, future price movements will need not just justification—but negotiation.
As Starlink gears up for launches in other African countries like Uganda, how it handles Nigeria may set a precedent across the continent.
Susan Olalere
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