By Dele Ogbodo
The Nigerian Comunications Commission (NCC) has given MTN and GLO: two giant operators in Nigeria’s telecommuncations space 21 day ultimatum to resolve their outstanding interconnect debt crisis.
The Commission emphatically reiterated that it expects MTN and Glo to resolve all outstanding issues within the 21-day period, insisting that interconnect debts must be settled by all operating companies as a necessary component towards compliance with regulatory obligations of all licensees.
While warning both operators on the need for compliance, NCC, said this is in exercise of its regulatory powers in that the Commission has put the phased disconnection on hold for a period of 21 (twenty-one) days from today, Wednesday 17 January, 2024.
The Commission, said: “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.
“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.”
NCC, however, said that is pleased to announce that the parties have now reached agreement to resolve all outstanding issues between them, adding that 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.
“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.” The Commission, said.
