MTN/Glo dispute: NCC issues pre-disconnect notice to subscribers

The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) has issued a Pre-Disconnection Notice to subscribers, announcing that MTN Nigerian Communications Plc. (MTN) has been granted approval to begin the phased disconnection of Globacom Limited (Glo) starting January 18, 2024.

According to a statement signed by its director of public affairs, Reuben Mouka, this decision stems from a prolonged interconnection debt dispute between the two telecom giants.

The NCC’s notice serves as a warning to Glo subscribers, alerting them to the potential disruptions in service as a result of the ongoing financial conflict. The phased disconnection is expected to impact communication services between Glo and other networks, affecting millions of users across the country.

The statement read: “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 a long-standing interconnection debt dispute between the parties.

“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.

“The Commission is pleased to announce that the parties have now reached an agreement to resolve all outstanding issues between them. For this reason, and in the 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.

“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 the 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.