BREAKING! NCC halts MTN’s approval to disconnect Globacom

The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) has announced the suspension of the approval granted to MTN for the partial disconnection of Globacom over unpaid interconnect debt.

In a statement released on Wednesday, signed by Director of Public Affairs Reuben Muoka, the NCC stated that the phased disconnection is now on hold for a period of 21 days starting from January 17.

RELATED: NCC authorises MTN to disconnect Globacom over interconnect debt, triggering fears of mass subscriber porting

This decision is aimed at highlighting the progress made in resolving the interconnect debt issue between MTN and Glo, both of which are major networks in Nigeria with a combined subscriber base exceeding 160 million.

Earlier in January, the telecoms regulator had given approval for the partial disconnection of Globacom by MTN due to outstanding interconnect charges. This move would have resulted in Globacom’s subscribers being unable to make calls to MTN, though they would still be able to receive calls from the MTN network.

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Read the statement below.

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 fromJanuary 18, 2024due 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. 

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