Starlink Increases Subscription Prices in Nigeria, Customers Left Reeling
Lagos, Nigeria – Starlink, the satellite internet service provider owned by SpaceX, has announced a significant price hike for its subscribers in the country. The new rates, which come into effect on October 31st, will see customers paying more than double what they previously paid for their monthly subscription.
The standard residential plan, which comes with a 1TB fair usage policy, will now cost ₦75,000 (approximately $48) per month, up from ₦38,000 (approximately $24). However, it is customers who use Starlink to roam who will be hit the hardest. Local roaming, which allows customers to use their Starlink kits outside their homes or workplaces within Nigeria, will now cost ₦167,000 (approximately $108) per month, up from ₦49,000 (approximately $32).
International roaming will also see a significant increase, with customers facing a bill of ₦717,000 (approximately $480) per month.
In a statement sent to customers, Starlink cited soaring inflation as the reason for the price hike. The company has not changed the price of its Starlink kits, which remain priced at ₦440,000.
However, it is worth noting that Starlink’s pricing strategy in Nigeria differs from that of other countries. In Kenya, for example, customers can purchase a more affordable Starlink Mini kit for KES 27,000 (approximately ₦90,000) and subscribe to a monthly plan for KES 4,000 (approximately ₦13,200). This is significantly cheaper than the standard subscription in Nigeria.
The lack of incentives for Nigerian customers may be a response to increased competition from leading internet service providers such as Safaricom and Jamii Telecommunications. Safaricom recently increased its speeds to retain customers who were complaining about slow speeds and high prices.
The price hike has sparked concerns among Nigerian tech enthusiasts and experts, who are worried about the impact on the country’s already struggling internet infrastructure. As the cost of accessing the internet continues to rise, many are left wondering what this means for the future of digital adoption in Nigeria.
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