The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) has put on hold the phased disconnection of Globacom Limited (Glo) subscribers by MTN Nigeria Communications Plc for 21 days.
This was disclosed in a statement on Thursday signed by the NCCs Director, Public Affairs, Mr. Reuben Muoka.
Recall that, on January 8, 2024, the Commission had published a pre-disconnection notice informing subscribers of the approval granted to MTN to commence the phased disconnection of Glo with effect from January 18, 2024 due to long-standing interconnection debt dispute between the parties.
The NCC however explained that, in granting the approval, it is 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 telecom regulator announced on Thursday 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 January 17, 2024,” NCC said.
The statement also read that, “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.”
Ugochi Olivia Ubah is an Educator and a Writer
