On January 17, 2024, the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) announced a suspension of the phased disconnection of Glo by MTN, originally scheduled to begin on January 18, 2024. This decision comes after the NCC published a Pre-Disconnection Notice on January 8, 2024, informing subscribers of the impending disconnection due to a long-standing interconnection debt dispute between MTN Nigerian Communications Plc. (MTN) and Globacom Limited (Glo).
The NCC, in granting approval for the phased disconnection, expressed awareness of the potential impact on consumers. The Commission actively engaged both parties in ongoing discussions to facilitate a resolution that prioritizes consumer interests and ensures the seamless operation of the national telecoms network.
In a positive turn of events, MTN and Glo have now reached an agreement to settle all outstanding issues between them. Consequently, the NCC, exercising its regulatory powers, has decided to put the phased disconnection on hold for a period of 21 days, starting from January 17, 2024.
While the Commission anticipates a comprehensive resolution within the stipulated 21-day period, it emphasizes the obligatory nature of settling interconnect debts for all operating companies. Compliance with regulatory obligations, particularly the terms and conditions of interconnection agreements, is a mandatory requirement for Mobile Network Operators (MNOs) and other licensees in the telecom industry.
The NCC underscores the importance of adherence to regulatory standards, emphasizing that all stakeholders must uphold their commitments to maintain a robust and reliable telecommunications network while safeguarding consumer interests.