By Ken Afor
The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) has put the planned phased disconnection of Globacom subscribers from calling MTN lines on hold.
In a statement on Thursday, Reuben Muoka, Director of Public Affairs of the NCC, announced the extension of the planned disconnection for 21 days. This decision follows an agreement reached by both Globacom and MTN to resolve their lingering disconnection debt dispute.
It stated, “The Commission is pleased to announce that MTN and Glo have reached an agreement to resolve all outstanding issues between them.
“As such, and in accordance with our regulatory mandate, we have put the phased disconnection on hold for 21 days, effective January 17, 2024.”
However, the commission noted that Mobile Network Operators (MNOs) in the telecom industry must adhere to interconnection agreements.
“While the Commission expects MTN and Glo to resolve all outstanding concerns within 21 days, the Commission urges that interconnect debts be settled by all operating businesses as a vital component of all licensees’ regulatory compliance.
“It is OBLIGATORY for Mobile Network Operators (MNOs) and other licensees in the telecom industry to follow the terms and conditions of their licenses, particularly as contained in their interconnection agreements,” the statement added.
The New Diplomat recalls that the proposed disconnection stems from an outstanding interconnection debt that Globacom allegedly owes to MTN. This debt poses a threat to the uninterrupted service of millions of subscribers nationwide.
