Interconnect Debt: NCC grants Globacom 21-day reprieve

The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) has announced a suspension of the phased disconnection process between Globacom and the MTN network.

A statement issued by NCC Director of Public Affairs, Dr Reuben Muoka stated that the suspension will remain in effect for a period of 21 days, allowing Glo and MTN to address any outstanding issues and reach a resolution.

The NCC emphasized that the settlement of interconnect debts is crucial for all operating companies in fulfilling their regulatory obligations as licensees.

“The commission is pleased to announce that the parties have now reached agreement 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 today.

“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.

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“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,” he said.

The NCC issued a pre-disconnection notice, notifying subscribers of the approved disconnection of Globacom by MTN, effective from January 18. This action stems from a prolonged interconnection debt dispute between the two parties.

The commission granted approval to MTN’s request for a partial disconnection of Glo from its network due to unpaid interconnect charges on January 8. This partial disconnection implies that Globacom’s subscribers won’t be able to make calls to any MTN number, but they can still receive calls from MTN users.