Starlink Resumes Nationwide Activations in Nigeria After Regulatory Pause and Network Upgrade

Starlink, the satellite internet service operated by Elon Musk’s SpaceX, has officially resumed new customer activations across Nigeria, following a multi-month regulatory pause and significant network capacity upgrades. The development, confirmed on Saturday, June 28, 2025, marks a pivotal return for the high-speed internet provider in Africa’s most populous nation.

The temporary suspension of new residential orders, which began in November 2024, was attributed by Starlink to two primary factors: overwhelming demand that led to network congestion and pending regulatory clearance from the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC). At the time, customers attempting to place orders on the company’s website were met with notifications indicating that activations were on hold. The pause notably affected over 60,000 existing subscribers in Nigeria and over 100,000 users across Africa, particularly in major urban centers like Lagos, Abuja, Port Harcourt, and Kano, where “sold-out” notices appeared as infrastructure struggled to meet surging demand.

The NCC had also, in October 2024, raised concerns regarding Starlink’s unilateral increase in its monthly subscription prices, stating that the company had not received prior approval for the hike. This regulatory intervention further complicated the operational landscape for Starlink in Nigeria.

Now, with infrastructure upgrades reportedly complete and regulatory alignment seemingly achieved, Starlink has restarted activations nationwide. In a statement shared with local media, the company confirmed, “We have officially resumed activations for customers nationwide, with Lagos, Abuja, and other high-demand regions leading this exciting revival.” The improvements are expected to significantly enhance internet speeds and reliability, especially in areas with high traffic and limited traditional broadband options.

Konga, Starlink’s largest authorized retail partner in Nigeria, welcomed the resumption, announcing that it is now offering free nationwide delivery of Starlink kits. Customers can place orders online or visit physical outlets in major cities, making the service more accessible to everyday Nigerians.

Starlink’s reentry into the market is widely viewed as a crucial boost for both households and businesses, particularly in underserved communities where traditional internet services remain patchy or unavailable. As demand for fast, stable internet continues to rise, driven by remote work, online learning, and digital transformation, Starlink’s expanded access promises to be a game-changer in bridging Nigeria’s digital divide.