NCC suspends phase disconnection of Globacom by MTN

Admin I Thursday, Jan. 18, 2024

ABUJA, Nigeria – The Nigerian Communications Commission, NCC has suspended permission granted MTN Nigeria Communicatins Plc to carryout phase disconnection of Globacom Ltd(Glo) over long standing interconnection debt dispute between parties.

in a statement, Mr. Reuben Muoka, Director Public Affairs said the the parties in the disputes have now reach agreement to resolve all outstanding issue between them.

“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”, the NCC said.

According to the commission, 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”, the commission said.

The full statement reads:

Re: PRE-DISCONNECTION NOTICE

1. 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.

 

2. 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.

 

3. 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.

 

4. 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.

 

SIGNED

 

Reuben Mouka

DIRECTOR, PUBLIC AFFAIRS

NIGERIAN COMMUNICATIONS COMMISSION