The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) has retracted its recent press statement concerning the operations of Starlink, a satellite internet service provider.

In a communication sent to media outlets on Tuesday, the NCC admitted that the earlier announcement was made in error and requested that any related articles be removed.

The statement, signed by Kunle Azeez, the NCC’s Manager of Media Relations, emphasized the need for retraction: “Kindly note that this press statement on Starlink was issued in error. It is hereby WITHDRAWN.

If already published, kindly BRING DOWN.” This clarification follows an earlier declaration by Reuben Muoka, the NCC’s Director of Public Affairs, who had indicated plans to enforce measures against Starlink for increasing its subscription prices without regulatory approval.

Starlink recently informed its customers of a significant price increase, raising monthly subscription fees by 97%, from ₦38,000 to ₦75,000. Additionally, the cost of the installation kit for new users has risen by 34%, now priced at ₦590,000, up from ₦440,000.

Despite these changes, the NCC asserted that it had not sanctioned this price hike.

Muoka expressed surprise at Starlink's unilateral decision to adjust its pricing after filing a request for approval from the NCC. He noted that the commission had yet to respond to this request when Starlink announced its new prices.