Starlink, the satellite internet provider owned by Elon Musk’s SpaceX, has officially resumed residential customer activations in Nigeria. This significant development follows a temporary suspension of new orders and activations that began in November 2024 (or late 2024), during which prospective customers were unable to purchase and install Starlink’s hardware or access its internet services.

The suspension was primarily due to a regulatory pause initiated by the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), which required specific approvals and a review of network capacity. This regulatory halt meant that Starlink could not onboard new subscribers, even as demand for its services continued to grow across the nation.

The resumption of services comes after substantial infrastructure upgrades and an expansion of Starlink’s network capacity. The company has also successfully resolved the regulatory concerns with the NCC, paving the way for seamless customer onboarding once more. Starlink stated that this move represents a major stride towards revolutionizing connectivity and connecting more Nigerians, promising a new level of improvement in internet access in the coming weeks.

High-demand areas such as Lagos, Abuja, and other major cities are being prioritized in this resumed activation phase. Starlink anticipates that the upgraded infrastructure will unlock new speeds and significantly improve connectivity for both homes and businesses nationwide, particularly in underserved and previously congested regions where traditional broadband infrastructure is often limited and unreliable. This expansion is expected to boost digital inclusion across the country.

Since its inception in Nigeria in early 2023, Starlink has rapidly expanded its footprint, securing its position as the third-largest internet service provider in the country, with over 60,000 subscribers. To further entice new users and bolster its presence, the company has also been offering an alluring free one-month internet subscription, aiming to accelerate its growth in Nigeria's dynamic internet landscape.

Konga, Starlink’s largest authorized retail partner in Nigeria, has expressed considerable excitement about this resumption. Reaffirming its commitment to ensuring seamless customer access, Konga announced free nationwide delivery for all Starlink kit orders. Customers can either order online or visit any of Konga’s retail outlets in various cities, including Asaba, Port Harcourt, Ikeja, Uyo, Owerri, Ibadan, FCT, Warri, Kano, Enugu, and Onitsha, to receive their Starlink kits at no additional cost. This partnership is set to make Starlink’s advanced internet services more accessible to a broader Nigerian populace.