The Nigerian Communications Commission, NCC, has suspended the phased disconnection of Globacom from MTN network for a period of 21 days.
The Nigerian Communications Commission, NCC, issued a press statement through the NCC Director of Public Affairs, Dr Reuben Muoka on January 17, 2024, Thursday, in Abuja .The statement addressed the approval granted to MTN for the phased disconnection of Glo, which was scheduled to commence on January 18, 2024, due to a longstanding interconnection debt dispute.
The NCC, considering the potential impacts on consumers, engaged both parties to facilitate a resolution prioritizing consumer interests and the seamless operation of the national telecoms network.
Subsequently, the regulatory body is pleased to announce that MTN and Glo have reached an agreement to resolve all outstanding issues.
To allow the parties sufficient time for resolution, the NCC, exercising its regulatory powers, has put the phased disconnection on hold for a period of 21 days from January 17, 2024.
Muoka said during this timeframe, the Commission expects MTN and Glo to amicably settle all outstanding issues.
He said the NCC insists that interconnect debts must be settled by all operating companies as a necessary component towards compliance with regulatory obligations of all licensees.
“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.
“The commission expects MTN and Glo to resolve all outstanding issues within the 21-day period.
READ ALSO: NCC grants approval to bar Globacom from calling MTN network
Credible news reports that the commission earlier gave a Pre-disconnection notice to inform subscribers of the approval granted to MTN to disconnect Globacom with the effect from Jan. 18.
The disconnection is due to long-standing interconnection debt dispute between the parties.
Recall that Credible news reported that NCC had on Jan. 8, approved MTN’s request to partially disconnect Glo from its network over unpaid interconnect charges.
While emphasizing the necessity for compliance with regulatory obligations, the NCC insists on the settlement of interconnect debts by all operating companies. This move underscores the obligation for Mobile Network Operators, MNOs, and other licensees in the telecom industry to adhere to the terms and conditions of their licenses, particularly those outlined in their interconnection agreements.
The partial disconnection means that Globacom’s subscribers will be unable to place calls to any MTN number but can receive calls from MTN users.
As the 21-day period unfolds, stakeholders will keenly observe developments, hoping for a comprehensive resolution that safeguards consumer interests and ensures the seamless functioning of the telecoms network.
Credible news.ng
