Starlink Users in Nigeria Still Pay N38,000 Monthly Despite 100% Price Increase

Starlink users in Nigeria are still paying the old subscription fee of N38,000 for its Standard (Residential) package, even though the company announced a 100% price increase in January 2025. The new rate of N75,000 was supposed to take effect for existing subscribers on January 27, 2025, while new customers were expected to pay the updated price immediately. However, two months later, the higher fee has not been fully implemented for existing users.

In January, Starlink informed its Nigerian subscribers via email about the price hike, which also included an increase in the cost of its hardware router from N440,000 to N590,000. The company justified these changes as necessary to improve its network infrastructure and deliver reliable internet service across Nigeria. Despite this announcement, the Standard package remains listed at N38,000 on Starlink’s website. Payment schedules sent to users in February and March also reflected the old price.

The reasons behind this delay are unclear. When Starlink first attempted a price increase in October 2024, it attributed the decision to the depreciation of the naira against the dollar. At that time, the naira traded at N1,700/$1. However, as of March 4, 2025, the naira has appreciated to N1,493/$1, raising questions about whether exchange rate fluctuations influenced Starlink’s pricing decisions.

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Starlink’s pricing history in Nigeria has been turbulent since its launch in January 2023. Initially priced at $43 per month (approximately N64,300 at today’s exchange rate), the company adopted a naira-based pricing model for its Nigerian market. The Standard package was introduced at N38,000, which many considered affordable compared to global rates. However, subsequent price hikes have sparked controversy and regulatory scrutiny.

In October 2024, Starlink faced backlash from Nigeria’s telecom regulator, the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), for attempting a 97% price increase without approval. The NCC cited violations of Sections 108 and 111 of the Nigerian Communications Act and initiated pre-enforcement actions against Starlink. In response, Starlink suspended its planned price hike and offered refunds to customers already charged higher rates. The company also warned that continued regulatory challenges could jeopardize its ability to operate in Nigeria.

Despite these disputes, Starlink resumed its efforts to implement higher prices in December 2024. The NCC has yet to approve these changes officially. Meanwhile, Starlink has maintained that its pricing adjustments are essential for sustaining operations amid inflationary pressures and currency volatility.

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For many Nigerians, Starlink’s services remain attractive due to their ability to deliver high-speed internet in remote and underserved areas. However, the proposed jump from N38,000 to N75,000 represents a significant financial burden for most households. Critics argue that such premium pricing risks making Starlink’s services inaccessible to average Nigerians.

As it stands, Starlink users in Nigeria are still paying old subscription fee of N38,000, but uncertainty looms over when, or if, the full price hike will be enforced. This ongoing saga highlights broader challenges in balancing affordability with operational sustainability in Nigeria’s tech-driven economy.

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