The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) has temporarily put on hold the request of MTN Nigeria to disconnect Globacom due to an interconnection debt dispute.
The NCC ordered both mobile network operators to resolve all outstanding issues within 21 days.
The development was contained in a statement by Reuben Mouka, NCC’s Director of Public Affairs.
On January 8, 2024, the telecoms regulatory commission had published a pre-disconnection notice.
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The notice had informed subscribers of the approval granted to MTN to commence a phased disconnection of Globacom with effect from January 18, 2024, due to a long-standing interconnection debt dispute between the parties.
In approving, NCC disclosed it was deeply conscious of the potential impacts of the decision on consumers.
It therefore continued to engage both parties to facilitate a resolution that prioritises and protects consumer interest and the seamless operation of the national telecoms network.
Mouka said:
“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.”
NCC added 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.
