Starlink halts residential kit orders in Nigeria over regulatory hurdles
Starlink, a satellite internet service, has said it suspended new orders for its residential kits in Nigeria over pending regulatory approvals.
Residential kits include the necessary equipment for home users to access Starlink’s satellite internet service, such as a satellite dish, router, and cables.
Our correspondent reports that the suspension became evident when customers attempted to place orders on the company’s website on Wednesday.
The site now displays a message indicating that the pause was due to pending regulatory approvals.
“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.
The Director of Public Affairs at the Nigerian Communications Commission, Reuben Mouka, did not respond to calls from our correspondent.
In October, the company attempted to raise its monthly subscription fees by 97 per cent, raising the cost from N38,000 to N75,000, a decision the provider later reversed after intervention from the NCC.
The telecom regulator stated that the internet firm violated Sections 108 and 111 of the Nigerian Communications Act of 2003 and breached the terms of its operating licence.
However, the NCC has not commented further since Starlink reversed its price increase.
In Nigeria, Starlink has seen rapid growth, becoming the third-largest internet service provider by the end of 2023 with over 23,000 subscribers.
In a similar situation two weeks ago, the company paused new sign-ups in several African cities, citing overwhelming demand.
Starlink owner, Elon Musk, confirmed this in a post on X (formerly Twitter), responding to concerns about capacity constraints in urban areas.
Musk wrote, “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.”
