NCC Makes U-turn, Stops MTN From Disconnecting Glo Customers

The Nigerian Communications Commission has put on hold its earlier approval for MTN Nigerian Communications Plc. (MTN) to begin the phased disconnection of Globacom Limited (Glo) with effect from Thursday (today).

The earlier proposed disconnection was due to a long-standing interconnection debt dispute between the parties.

A statement from NCC which was signed by the Director of Public Affairs, Reuben Mouka, read, “The Commission is happy to announce that the parties reached an agreement to resolve all outstanding issues between them.

“For this reason, and in execution of its regulatory powers, the Commission has put the phased disconnection on hold for 21 days beginning today, January 17, 2024.”

The commission stated that in granting the approval as contained in its pre-disconnection notice of January 8, 2024, it 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 interests and the seamless operation of the national telecoms network.”

“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,” it added.