Average Nigeria earning below N100,000 cannot afford the Starlink Internet Kit and its subscription price. Now, the company has hiked the sub fees in Nigeria, making it more difficult for average people in the country to use the fast speed internet service.
Starlink, internet service provider (ISP) owned by SpaceX, blames soaring inflation in the African country as the reason behind the subscription price hike. "Due to excessive levels of inflation, the Starlink monthly service price will increase,” Starlink told customers in an Email."
How much is Starlink subscription per month?
| Plan Type | Previous Price | New Price | Price Increase |
|---|---|---|---|
| Standard Residential (1 TB Fair Usage) | ₦38,000 ($24) | ₦75,000 ($48) | ₦37,000 ($24) |
| Local Roaming (within Nigeria) | ₦49,000 | ₦167,000 | ₦118,000 |
| International Roaming | N/A | ₦717,000 | N/A |
The Starlink's Standard Residential (1 TB Fair Usage) subscription plan which was previously ₦38,000 ($24) now cost ₦75,000 ($48), increased by ₦37,000 ($24), almost 100% of the previous price. Local Roaming (within Nigeria) plan now cost ₦167,000 per month up from ₦49,000, increased by ₦118,000. And the International Roaming subscription plan now cost ₦717,000.
These new prices will be effective from October 31st for existing Starlink users. Potential customers signing up for Starlink ISP from this point forward will have to pay the updated prices right from the start.
Starlink Kit Price in Nigeria 2024
It's important to note that the Starlink Kit price doesn't change in Nigeria since it entered into the West-African country. It cost ₦440,000 which covers the hardware equipment that comprises the satellite dish, modem, and cables. Meanwhile, do note that other services fee like logistics fee, installation and professional setup fee and subscription fees will incur for additional money.
As per the company statement, soaring inflation in the African is the major causes of the subscription plan price hike. This means the economy situations only affect the subscription not the ISP Kit. In Kenya, there are rental option for those unable to pay the full amount. But this buying option isn't enables for Nigerians.
Nigerian customers are also not privilege to buy a more affordable option, like the 50GB plan offered in Kenya for KES 1,300. Kenya customers also have the option to purchase the more affordable Starlink Mini kit for KES 27,000.
The Starlink Mini kit offers lower speeds, with up to 100 Mbps, compared to the 200 Mbps provided by the Starlink Standard Kit. The monthly subscription is also cheaper; the company offers it at KES 4,000 and the standard subscription plan in Kenya costs KES 6,500.
These incentives being offered to Kenya's customers in the form of better pricing, improved services, and added features are likely a strategy to increased competition from leading internet service providers in the country such as Safaricom and Jamii Telecommunications.
These local ISP companies have been so competitive since the Elon Musk's Starlink entered into the country, with Safaricom, for example, increasing speeds to retain customers complaining about sluggish performance and expensive rates.
Is Starlink Subscription Unlimited?
Yes, the Starlink Internet Service subscription plans are unlimited. "All Starlink subscription plans include unlimited high-speed data on land with no long-term contracts or commitments," the company said on its official website.
This means that all Starlink subscription plans offer unlimited access to high-speed internet without data caps or usage limits, as long as you're using the service on land. The most interesting part of the subscription plans is that you are no long-term contracts or obligations, so you can cancel or modify your plans at any time without being locked into a lengthy contract.
In conclusion, Startlink's management has been relatively keeping mute about the backlashes of Nigerians on social media regarding the subscription plan price hike. However, the company continues to point to inflation as the main reason for the price hikes.
What do you think about the "Starlink Price Hikes in Nigeria?" Do you think it’s a good one, or it's a bad one? Tell us your thoughts in the comments below.
