By Juliet Umeh
The Affiliation of Telecommunications Corporations of Nigeria (ATCON) has referred to as for a radical evaluation of Starlink’s operations in Nigeria, highlighting the necessity to guarantee a stage enjoying subject for each native and international telecom operators.
This follows the Nigerian Communications Fee’s (NCC) resolution to sanction Starlink for implementing unapproved subscription worth will increase.
ATCON President Tony Emoekpere expressed concern over Starlink’s enterprise mannequin, which permits the corporate to function in Nigeria with out vital native infrastructure funding, not like home operators who’ve closely invested within the nation.
“Starlink’s resolution to lift costs with out regulatory approval places native operators at an obstacle,” Emoekpere mentioned. “Whereas competitors is inspired, it should be truthful and adjust to the identical regulatory framework.”
He added that Starlink’s pricing mannequin, tied to worldwide benchmarks, creates an uneven enjoying subject and exerts undue strain on Nigerian telecom corporations. “Native operators, who’ve invested in Nigeria, are topic to stricter regulatory oversight. Competing with international entities that benchmark towards the greenback creates a critical problem,” he added.
Emoekpere additionally referred to as for a evaluation of Starlink’s licensing circumstances, urging the federal government to make sure that all telecom operators, whether or not international or native, contribute equally to Nigeria’s financial system. “We should reassess Starlink’s license and require them to localize their operations. In any other case, we danger creating an unfair benefit that might hurt native gamers,” he concluded.
ATCIS Condemns Starlink’s 97% Value Hike, Requires Authorities Investigation
In a associated growth, the Affiliation of Phone, Cable TV, and Web Subscribers of Nigeria (ATCIS) has strongly condemned Starlink’s current 97% worth hike for its web companies. The rise noticed Starlink’s month-to-month subscription rise from N38,000 to N75,000, whereas the value of its {hardware} kits jumped 34%, from N440,000 to N590,000.
ATCIS Nationwide President, Mr. Sina Bilesanmi, voiced deep dissatisfaction with the value hike, criticizing Starlink for bypassing Nigerian shoppers and failing to observe regulatory procedures earlier than implementing the rise. “We strongly condemn this motion by Starlink. They didn’t interact Nigerian subscribers or search the mandatory approvals earlier than imposing such a considerable worth hike,” Bilesanmi mentioned.
He revealed that ATCIS had contacted the NCC to make clear whether or not Starlink had full registration and an operational workplace in Nigeria, however no response had been obtained. “Regardless of our inquiries, the NCC has not responded, however we’re glad to see the fee acknowledge that Starlink did not receive approval earlier than elevating costs,” he added.
Bilesanmi referred to as for transparency within the NCC’s regulatory actions and harassed the necessity for an investigation into Starlink’s operations. “The federal government should examine whether or not the NCC has compromised its function as a regulatory physique. Starlink’s worth hike, which took impact in early October, will not be within the curiosity of Nigerian subscribers who’re already grappling with inflation and financial hardship,” he acknowledged.
He echoed ATCON’s name for a stage enjoying subject within the telecom business, stating that native operators are topic to stricter rules whereas Starlink, as a international entity, enjoys higher operational flexibility. “Native operators face extra rigorous regulatory scrutiny, but Starlink, with no native footprint, operates better off. That is unacceptable,” Bilesanmi emphasised.
The ATCIS President urged the federal authorities to make sure that international corporations adjust to Nigerian legal guidelines and contribute meaningfully to the financial system. “We can not permit international corporations to take advantage of Nigerian shoppers with out correct oversight. The federal government should maintain each the NCC and Starlink accountable,” he concluded.
Each ATCON and ATCIS reaffirmed their dedication to defending Nigeria’s over 220 million subscribers, advocating for equity, transparency, and accountability within the telecommunications sector.