NCC Grants MTN, Glo 21 Days  To Resolve Outstanding Interconnection Issues, Puts On Hold Phased Disconnection

The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) has put on hold implementation of phased disconnection of Globacom Limited (Glo) earlier granted to the MTN Nigerian Communications Plc until expiration of 21 days being from January 17, 2024.

NCC explained that the 21 days extension  was prompted by the agreement of the parties (MTN and Glo) to resolve outstanding issues which led to the disconnection approval it earlier granted MTN against Glo.

A statement by the NCC Director, Public Affairs, Reuben Mouka, Thursday, recalled that on January 8, 2024 the Nigerian Communications Commission published a Pre-Disconnection Notice informing subscribers of the approval granted to MTN Nigerian Communications Plc. (MTN) to commence the phased disconnection of Globacom Limited (Glo) with effect from January 18, 2024 due to long-standing interconnection debt dispute between the parties. 

However, he noted that in granting the approval, the Commission was deeply conscious of the potential impacts of the decision on consumers and therefore continued to engage both parties to facilitate a resolution which prioritizes and protects consumer interest and the seamless operation of the national telecoms network.

According to him, “the Commission is pleased to announce that the parties have now reached agreement to resolve all outstanding issues between them. For this reason, and in exercise of its regulatory powers in that regard, the Commission has put the phased disconnection on hold for a period of 21 (twenty-one) days from today, 17 January, 2024.  

“Whilst the Commission expects MTN and Glo to resolve all outstanding issues within the 21-day period, the Commission insists that interconnect debts must be settled by all operating companies as a necessary component towards compliance with regulatory obligations of all licensees.

“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”