The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) said Starlink Communications never got its approval before it unilaterally reviewed its subscription packages upwards.
In a statement by Reuben Muoka, NCC’s Director of Public Affairs, the regulatory body said “we were surprised that the company jumped the gun by announcing price changes after filing a request to the Commission seeking approval for price adjustment for which the Commission was yet to communicate a decision.
“The action of the company is a contravention of Sections 108 and 111 of the Nigerian Communications Act (NCA) 2003, and Starlink’s Licence Conditions regarding tariffs.
“The Commission will, therefore, take appropriate enforcement measures against any action by a licensee that is capable of eroding the regulatory stability of the telecommunications industry,” the statement noted.
Industry watchers as well as other telecommunications companies had accused the NCC of double standard in approving tariff hike to Starlink, whereas they have been asking for such approval for months due to triple digit increases in their operational costs arising from spiralling inflation.
They accused NCC of favoritism to a foreign company, wondering the amount of money received by those at the desk that led to such anomaly.
But with the clarifications by the NCC, it is expected that appropriate apology and reversal to approved tariff and refunds shall be made by Starlink.
Industry watchers expect NCC to be more proactive and not wait to be accused before it performs its statutory duties as it should be.
