The Nigerian Communications Commission has suspended for 21 days the approval granted to MTN Nigeria to disconnect Glo due to interconnection debt dispute.
NCC stated that both mobile network operators are expected to resolve all outstanding issues within the 21-day period.
Recall that on January 8, 2024 the telecoms regulatory commission had published a pre-disconnection notice informing subscribers of the approval granted to MTN to commence a phased disconnection of Globacom with effect from January 18, 2024 due to long-standing interconnection debt dispute between the parties.
In granting the approval, NCC disclosed it was deeply conscious of the potential impacts of the decision on consumers and therefore continued to engage both parties to facilitate a resolution which prioritises and protects consumer interest and the seamless operation of the national telecoms network.
According to a statement by Reuben Mouka, NCC’s Director of Public Affairs, both parties have now reached an 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,” the statement reads.
NCC insisted in the statement that mobile network operators in the country and other licensees in the telecom industry are under obligation to keep to the terms and conditions of their licences, especially as contained in their interconnection agreements.
