Interconnect debts: MTN, Glo to resolve issues within 21-day period—NCC

The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), says it has put the phased disconnection of Glo lines by MTN over interconnect debts on hold for a period of 21 days from Wednesday January 17, 2024.

It would be recalled that the NCC in a memo signed by its director of public affairs, Reuben Muoka, on Monday, January 8 approved MTN’s request to partially disconnect Globacom (Glo) from its network over unpaid interconnect charges.

The development followed Glo’s failure to settle its outstanding debts despite repeated attempts at resolution.

“At the expiration of 10 days from January 8, 2024, subscribers of Globacom will no longer be able to make calls to MTN but will be able to receive calls.

“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.

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However, in a new statement signed by Muoka on Wednesday, NCC announced the phased disconnection which was expected to commence from Today, January 18 has been placed on hold following agreement between both parties 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 Wednesday, 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 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.