On January 8, 2024, the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) issued a comprehensive Pre-Disconnection Notice, officially granting approval to MTN Nigerian Communications Plc. (MTN) to initiate the phased disconnection of Globacom Limited (Glo) effective from January 18, 2024.
This action was triggered by a protracted interconnection debt dispute that had persisted between the two prominent entities within the telecommunications sector.
Acknowledging the potential ramifications on consumers, the NCC, in its approval, maintained a conscientious stance.
The commission sustained its efforts in actively engaging both MTN and Glo, seeking a resolution that would not only prioritize consumer interests but also ensure the uninterrupted and seamless operation of the national telecommunications network.
In a noteworthy turn of events, the NCC has now announced a positive development – the resolution of all outstanding issues between MTN and Glo.
In the exercise of its regulatory powers, the NCC has opted to temporarily suspend the phased disconnection, providing a 21-day window starting from January 17, 2024.
This period is designated for the involved parties to finalize and implement the agreed-upon resolutions.
While expressing optimism for a timely resolution within this stipulated timeframe, the NCC has underscored the imperative for all operating companies, including Mobile Network Operators (MNOs) and other licensees in the telecom industry, to settle interconnect debts promptly.
This insistence aligns with the overarching goal of ensuring compliance with regulatory obligations, particularly emphasizing adherence to the terms delineated in their interconnection agreements.
Read the full 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 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
17th January 2024
