NCC suspends approval granted MTN to disconnect Globacom

The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) has decided to temporarily halt the phased disconnection of Glo from MTN.

Telescope.ng reports that the suspension, effective for 21 days starting on Tuesday, January 17, is intended for both parties to address and resolve any outstanding issues between them.

The NCC, in a press release titled “Re: Pre-Disconnection Notice” dated January 17, 2024, announced that this decision emerged from an agreement between Glo and MTN to settle their issues.

The Commission expressed satisfaction in announcing that the involved parties have reached an agreement to resolve all outstanding matters.

As a result, exercising its regulatory powers, the NCC has deferred the phased disconnection for a period of 21 days from January 17, 2024.

While expecting MTN and Glo to resolve their issues within this timeframe, the Commission emphasized the necessity for all operating companies to settle interconnect debts as part of complying with regulatory obligations.

Rueben Muoka, the NCC Director of Public Affairs, conveyed in the release that Mobile Network Operators (MNOs) and other licensees in the telecom industry must adhere to the terms and conditions of their licenses, particularly those outlined in their interconnection agreements.

The regulatory agency had initially published a Pre-Disconnection Notice on January 8, 2024, granting approval to MTN to commence the phased disconnection of Glo starting from January 18, 2024.

The pre-disconnection notice was issued due to a longstanding interconnection debt dispute between the two parties.

Despite granting approval, the NCC continued its engagement with both parties to facilitate a resolution that prioritizes consumer interests and ensures the smooth operation of the national telecoms network.

Muoka highlighted that the regulatory agency’s intervention aimed to address the potential impacts of disconnecting Glo from MTN on consumers, emphasizing its commitment to protecting consumer interests and maintaining the seamless operation of the national telecoms network.