The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) has announced the temporary suspension of MTN’s partial disconnection of Globacom, citing unpaid debts. The statement, signed by Reuben Muoka, the director of public affairs of the commission, revealed that the initial approval for partial disconnection on January 8, 2024, aimed to address the non-settlement of interconnect charges. This would have restricted Globacom’s subscribers from making calls to MTN but allowed them to receive calls from the Globacom network.
Originally scheduled for disconnection after 10 days from the notice date, the commission has now put the process on hold for 21 days, starting January 17, 2024. MTN and Glo are mandated to resolve all outstanding issues during this period.
“On 8 January 2024, the Nigerian Communications Commission published a Pre-Disconnection Notice informing subscribers of the approval granted to MTN Nigeria Communications Plc (MTN) to commence the phased disconnection of Globacom Limited (Glo) with effect from 18 January 2024 due to a long-standing interconnection debt dispute between the parties,” stated Mr. Muoka.
Further clarification came from Reuben Muoka, who explained: “The commission is pleased to announce that the parties have now reached an agreement to resolve all outstanding issues between them. For this reason, and in the exercise of its regulatory powers in that regard, the Commission has put the phased disconnection on hold for a period of 21 days from today, 17 January 2024.”
He added, “It is obligatory that Mobile Network Operators (MNOs) and other licensees in the telecom industry keep to the terms and conditions of their licenses, especially as contained in their interconnection agreements.”
While anticipating MTN and Glo to address any pending matters within 21 days, the NCC stressed the imperative for all operating companies to clear interconnect debts, deeming it a vital aspect of complying with the regulatory obligations of licensees.
