The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) says two of Nigeria’s leading telcos, MTN Nigeria and Globacom Nigeria Limited, have reached agreement to resolve ‘all outstanding issues between them’.
Consequently, the initial plan to disconnect subscribers of Globacom from making calls to MTN lines would be put on hold for another 20 days.
The industry regulator had earlier this month announced its intention to disconnect Glo customers in 10 days time over interconnect charges owed by Glo.
“The Nigerian Communications Commission hereby notifies the public and subscribers of Globacom Limited (Globacom) that approval has been granted for the partial disconnection of Globacom from MTN Nigeria Communications Plc. due to non-settlement of interconnect charges.
“Globacom was notified of the application made by MTN, and was given opportunity to comment and state its case. The Commission, having examined the application and circumstances surrounding the indebtedness, determined that Globacom does not have sufficient or justifiable reason for non-payment of the interconnect charges.
“All subscribers are therefore requested to take notice that: The Commission has approved the partial disconnection of Globacom to MTN in accordance with Section 100 of the Nigerian Communications Act, 2003 and Paragraph 9 of the Guidelines on Procedure for Granting Approval to Disconnect Telecommunications Operators, 2012.”
However, in a relief of sorts for subscribers, a statement by Reuben Muoka, NCC Director of Public Affairs Department, dated 17th January 2024, said MTN and Glo are expected to resolve all outstanding issues within a 21-day period and normal services continue uninterrupted.
The statement, with the caption, ‘Re: PRE-DISCONNECTION NOTICE’ read:
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
