NCC has withdrawn the disconnection approval granted to MTN for the disconnection of Globacom.
By Emma Ogbuehi
The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) has withdrawn the disconnection approval granted to MTN for the disconnection of Globacom. NCC in making the announcement, said the action followed the amicable resolution of the interconnect debt dispute between the two service providers.
NCC had on 8 January said it had approved the partial disconnection of Globacom to MTN due to a non-settlement of interconnect charges.
The partial disconnection, according to the commission, meant that Globacom’s subscribers would not be able to make calls to MTN, but would receive calls to the Globacom network. But later, when the parties had reached agreement to resolve all outstanding issues between them, NCC put on hold an earlier approval it granted to the MTN for the disconnection of Globacom (Glo).
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In eventually withdrawing the disconnection approval, the NCC reiterated that strict adherence to the terms and conditions of licenses, particularly those delineated in interconnection agreements, is imperative for all Mobile Network Operators (MNOs) and other licensees within the telecommunications industry. The commission made the announcement in a statement by its Director, Public Affairs, Reuben Muoka, on Tuesday, February 8, 2024.
NCC added that it would be requesting relevant records and regular updates from MNOs, as well as adopting a transparent approach towards industry indebtedness.
The statement read:
“The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) is pleased to announce that the interconnect debt dispute between MTN Nigeria Communications Plc. (MTN) and Globacom Limited (Globacom) has been amicably resolved.
“In accordance with this resolution, the disconnection approval granted to MTN for the disconnection of Globacom has now been withdrawn.
“Following its initial Public Notice, the Commission with the aim of mitigating any potential disruptions to subscribers undertook further regulatory intervention, by mediating between the parties and facilitating the reconciliation process.
“The Commission reiterates that strict adherence to the terms and conditions of licenses, particularly those delineated in interconnection agreements, is imperative for all Mobile Network Operators (MNOs) and other licensees within the telecommunications industry.
“In order to proactively address and prevent future instances of interconnect indebtedness within the industry, the Commission will be requesting relevant records and regular updates from MNOs, as well as adopting a transparent approach towards industry indebtedness.
“This statement serves as a reminder of the Commission’s commitment to fostering a stable and compliant telecommunications ecosystem in Nigeria.