Ghanaians on social media 'fume' over Starlink's hardware price and monthly fees

American billionaire, Elon Musk's Starlink has released its data prices ahead of its launch by the end of August as announced earlier by the National Communications Authority.

A statement issued by the regulator on August 22, 2024, stated that this decision "follows the completion of all administrative and licensing procedures with the National Communications Authority (NCA)."

It further mentioned that the internet service provider will be managed by Space X Starlink GH LTD.

According to the company’s website, the pricing plans include Residential (best for households) starting from GH¢770, Roam (ideal for RVs, nomads, and campers) starting from GH¢1,540, and Boats (suitable for maritime emergency response and mobile businesses) starting from GH¢4,428.

Ghanaians will pay GH¢770 per month for the basic plan, with a one-time equipment cost of GH¢5,390 including taxes.

Ghanaians on X have shared various sentiments on the pricing of the data and the taxes that make up the cost of the internet provider's hardware.

They believe that these charges are quite expensive for the average Ghanaian household.

"Really disappointed in the Starlink offer. 770ghs/month is not bad but why are we paying Soo much compared to Nigeria," a user said.

Another user said: "Starlink household for GHS770 really dey make sense waa especially the compound house people. Just share den pay since it's unlimited everyone go enjoy some."

Previously, the NCA had argued that Starlink did not have a license to operate in Ghana, deeming the online sale of its service illegal and a violation of the Electronic Communications Act.

The Authority had emphasised that internet service providers needed authorisation from the NCA to operate in Ghana, advising Ghanaians against using Starlink's services for their own benefit.

However, the company has now been granted permission to operate in the country.

See the tweets below:

Saying that introducing Starlink in Ghana will increase competition and reduce data prices is like saying opening a Rolls Royce dealership will reduce the cost of cars in Ghana. They will be taxed the same as the others and less people will be able to afford it

— Selorm Branttie (@iselorm) August 28, 2024

Really disappointed in the Starlink offer.

770ghs/month is not bad but why are we paying Soo much compared to Nigeria.

— Aeroplane_fitar 🇬🇭 (@richie_alone) August 28, 2024

🚨ICYMI🇬🇭🛜📡: A Ghanaian will pay GHC 1000+ in taxes when they purchase a Starlink device.

-

📷: @jaeyholic

🦅🇬🇭 https://t.co/282G1egKvz pic.twitter.com/dGPKBGo8ex

— Ölele | DTS👨🏾‍🍳🇬🇭 (@OleleSalvador) August 28, 2024

Incase you’re wondering the taxes involved in the Starlink kit for Ghana

Here’s a breakdown pic.twitter.com/rQJAqfhbvh

— DESMOND A. 🇬🇭 (@dessy_ocean) August 28, 2024

Lmao the problem with some of us is that we want to pose like we are rich or cool or unbothered while the country melts around us. Poverty is not a good thing but it is a normal thing, IN THESE TIMES.

The Starlink prices are expensive. You need almost 7k to connect. Please!

— Melanin Monroe (@Aku__Addy) August 28, 2024

Starlink Monthly Subscription Prices and Minimum Wages in Various African Countries

- Ghana:

- Starlink Subscription: $49 per month

- Minimum Wage: $1.10 per day or $24.64 per month (based on working days)

- Nigeria:

- Starlink Subscription: $23.90 per month

- Minimum…

— Tech In Twi (@tech_twi) August 28, 2024

Starlink Ghana Pricing https://t.co/tntqyoEmfB pic.twitter.com/eoV0Sn0uzw

— Duncan (@EphraimDuncan_) August 28, 2024

The standard claim is that low earth orbit (LEO) satellite broadband providers, like Starlink, will kill telcos and eventually rob governments of taxes. Like most things, there is always nuance. As the upcoming entry of Starlink into Ghana shows, incumbents and politicians don't… pic.twitter.com/1nMldTb8mV

— Bright Simons (@BBSimons) August 28, 2024

Today, @Starlink is official in Ghana but many are sad.

It does not make any difference to the existing market except for the exceptional speed it provides.

We will procure regardless.

No jobs, just provide enabling environment for us to thrive: you can’t.

Siato@NCAGhana pic.twitter.com/ucHXOKtUC3

— Kobina (@sbaidoo8) August 28, 2024