The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) told journalists to ignore an initial statement on an internet service provider sanction as an error.

On Tuesday, the NCC had stated that it would sanction Starlink, an internet service provider, owned by Elon Musk, for increasing its subscription price without approval from its agency.

According to Nairametrics, Reuben Mouka, the NCC’s Director of Public Affairs, issued a new statement hours later, invalidating the previous one on the sanctions

Mouka asked that media houses ignore his initial statement as it was an error of assertion. “Please ignore my response above. My statement was an error of assertion,” Nairametrics quoted him.

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In the earlier statement Mouka had signed, the NCC had stated that Starlink would face sanctions for increasing its price in Nigeria without the regulator’s approval.

Starlink’s action violated Sections 108 and 111 of the NCC Act, 2003 and the internet provider’s License Conditions regarding tariffs, the statement claimed.

“The decision by Starlink to unilaterally review their subscription packages upwards did not receive the approval of the Nigerian Communications Commission,” the statement read.

“We were surprised that the company jumped the gun by announcing price changes after filing a request to the Commission seeking approval for price adjustment for which the Commission was yet to communicate a decision. 

“The action of the company appears to be a contravention of Sections 108 and 111 of the Nigerian Communications Act, 2003, and Starlink’s License Conditions regarding tariffs. 

 “The Commission will therefore take appropriate enforcement measures against any action by a licensee that is capable of eroding the regulatory stability of the telecommunications industry.”

When EQ called the NCC on Tuesday afternoon to understand why it backtracked on the initial statement and made a new stance, an official in the public affairs department told EQ Mouka was not on the seat and another call should be made to confirm from him.

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“The director is not around, when he is around, you can call to confirm from him,” the official who didn’t share his name said.

When EQ asked if the NCC issued the new statement, he said, “I wouldn’t know, I am a staff of public affairs but the director is not seated now. If he were seated around, I would have given him the phone to answer you. He is the only person who is authorised to speak with the public. Call back in the evening.”

On Wednesday, Starlink announced that its monthly subscription would now cost N75,000 from N38,000 due to rising inflation. It also said the Starlink kit and hardware for installation would cost N590,000, up from N440,000.
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