The Association of Telecommunications Companies of Nigeria (ATCON) calls for a thorough assessment of Starlink’s activities in Nigeria to promote fair competition among domestic and international telecom operators. This appeal follows the Nigerian Communications Commission’s (NCC) recent decision to penalize Starlink for raising subscription prices without regulatory approval.
ATCON President Tony Emoekpere expressed concerns about Starlink’s operational model, noting that the company’s ability to function in Nigeria without substantial local infrastructure contrasts with the significant investments made by domestic operators.
“Starlink’s unapproved price hikes put local operators at a disadvantage,” Emoekpere pointed out. “We welcome competition, but it must be fair and operate under the same regulatory conditions.”
He also noted that Starlink’s pricing structure aligns with international standards and places additional pressure on Nigerian telecom companies.
“Our local operators, who have invested heavily in the Nigerian market, face strict regulatory requirements. Competing with foreign companies that peg prices to the dollar poses a serious challenge,” Emoekpere added.
He called on the government to revisit Starlink’s licensing terms to ensure that all foreign and local telecom operators contribute equally to Nigeria’s economy.
“We need to review Starlink’s license and mandate that they localize their operations. If not, we risk creating an uneven playing field that could negatively impact domestic operators,” he concluded.
