The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) has suspended the disconnection of Globacom Limited (Glo) subscribers by the MTN Nigerian Communications Plc for 21 days.
Recall that THE WHISTLER earlier reported that the commission had announced that MTN had received approval to disconnect Glo users with effect from January 18, 2024, over an outstanding interconnection debt dispute between the service providers.
In a statement on Thursday signed by the NCC’s Director, of Public Affairs, Mr. Reuben Muoka, the commission said the disconnection has grave repercussions and there is a need to intervene.
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Mouka said following the approval given to MTN, 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.
Revealing the outcome of the dialogue by both service providers, he said, “The Commission is pleased to announce that the parties have now reached an agreement to resolve all outstanding issues between them. For this reason, and in the exercise of its regulatory powers in that regard, the Commission has put the phased disconnection on hold for 21 days from today, 17 January 2024.
“Whilst the commission expects MTN and Glo to resolve all outstanding issues within 21 days, 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.
“Mobile Network Operators (MNOs) and other licensees in the telecom industry must keep to the terms and conditions of their licenses, especially as contained in their interconnection agreements.”