NCC halts planned disconnection of Globacom subscribers from MTN

…gives 21 day grace

By Joy Baba Yesufu

Authorities of Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) said it has put a temporary hold on its plans to commence phase disconnection of subscribers of the Globacom Limited (GLO) from MTN with effect from 18th January, 2024.
On 8th January, 2024, NCC published a Pre-Disconnection Notice informing subscribers of the approval granted to MTN Nigerian Communications Plc. (MTN) to commence the phased disconnection of GLO subscribers with effect from January 18, 2024 due to long-standing interconnection debt dispute between the two 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 hence in exercise of its regulatory powers in that regard, 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, it 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.