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.