Breaking! Glo-MTN dispute: No more disconnection as NCC suspends notice

The Nigerian Communications Commission has suspended a pre-Disconnection Notice informing subscribers of the approval granted to MTN Nigerian Communications Plc. (MTN) to commence the phased disconnection of Globacom Limited (Glo) lines with effect from January 18, 2024.

The disagreement between the two service providers arose due to a long-standing interconnection debt dispute between the parties.

NCC announced via a statement that both MTN and Glo have agreed to settle their differences and outstanding issues. The implication is that subscribers on both networks will continue to enjoy uninterrupted services pending the expiration of the 21 days period granted both parties by NCC to clear all disputes.

Below is the full statement:

Re: PRE-DISCONNECTION NOTICE

1. On January 8, 2024 the Nigerian Communications Commission published a Pre-Disconnection Notice informing subscribers of the approval granted to MTN Nigerian Communications Plc. (MTN) to commence the phased disconnection of Globacom Limited (Glo) with effect from January 18, 2024 due to long-standing interconnection debt dispute between the parties.
2. 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.
3. 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, 17 January, 2024.
4. 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.

SIGNED

Reuben Mouka

DIRECTOR, PUBLIC AFFAIRS

NIGERIAN COMMUNICATIONS COMMISSION

17th January 2024