Victor Ezeja
Starlink, an Internet service-providing firm owned by billionaire investor, Elon Musk, has increased the monthly subscription for its Internet service in Nigeria to N75,000 for Residential plan.
This reflects an increase of 97 per cent compared to the previous rate of N38,000.
Join our WhatsApp ChannelThe company also raised monthly subscriptions for its regional roam service to N167,000.
In a message to its customers on Tuesday morning, the company said the new subscription rate for current customers will take effect from 31st October 2024 while it takes effect immediately for new customers.
“Due to excessive levels of inflation, the Starlink monthly service price will increase from current rates to the respective rates below: Standard (Residential): N75,000; Mobile- Regional (Roam Unlimited): 167,000; Mobile – Global (Global Roam): N717,000,” a message from Starlink to its customers in Nigeria read.
“As a current customer, your monthly service price will increase in 1 month, beginning 31st October 2024. For new customers, the price increase is effective immediately.”
READ ALSO: Nigerian Govt Seeks Partnership With Elon Musk’s Starlink To Boost Local Job Creation
“If you do not wish to continue your service, you can cancel at any time.”
The Internet service provider which launched in Nigeria in 2023, also increased the price of its hardware by 34 per cent from N440,000 to N590,000.
The naira exchange rate has been fluctuating in recent months reaching a peak of N1,700 per dollar last week.
Customers frustrated
Following the launch of Starlink in Africa’s most populous country, many Internet users with poor networks have switched to it.
However, there are concerns that the new price increase by Starlink may make it unaffordable for many customers (existing and potential ones).
Some Nigerians have called on Musk to review the latest hike in prices.
Reacting to the increase, an X user with the username Prince Somorin Osifeso @PrinceSomorin said: “Personally I think @Starlink is now more out of the league of most Nigerians.”
Another X user, CryptoLord NE wrote: “Dear @elonmusk @Starlink Nigeria’s new minimum wage is N70,000. Please do a review this so as to keep your customers in Nigeria because this will be tough for many Starlink users.”
Victor Ezeja is a passionate journalist with seven years of experience writing on economy, politics and energy. He holds a Master's degree in Mass Communication.
