GLITZ TV
The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) has announced the suspension of its plan to bar Glo subscribers from making calls to MTN lines for a period of 21 days.
In a statement released on Thursday by Reuben Mouka, the Director of Public Affairs at NCC, the decision was made as an update to the Pre-Disconnection Notice issued on January 8, 2024.
The initial notice stated that the NCC had approved MTN Nigerian Communications Plc. to gradually disconnect Globacom Limited starting from January 18, 2024. This action was a result of a long-standing interconnection debt dispute between the two companies.
However, the NCC has now revealed that an agreement has been reached between the parties involved to resolve all outstanding issues. In light of this, the commission has decided to put the phased disconnection on hold for a period of 21 days, starting from January 17, 2024.
While the NCC expects MTN and Glo to resolve all pending matters within this timeframe, it emphasizes the importance of settling interconnect debts as a necessary requirement for compliance with regulatory obligations for all licensees.
The NCC acknowledged that its approval for disconnection could have potential consequences for consumers.
In the extension notice, the NCC emphasized the need for mobile network operators and other licensees in the telecom industry to adhere to the terms and conditions stated in their licenses, especially those outlined in their interconnection agreements.
Earlier on Thursday, the NCC stated its intention to provide guidance to Globacom subscribers regarding the next steps after the expiration of the 10-day grace period for the barring of their lines from making calls to MTN lines.
Reuben Mouka mentioned on Wednesday, “We will release information on that matter, most likely today, within the next few hours.”
The interconnect charge refers to the fee paid by telecom operators to each other for calls terminating on their networks.
MTN and Glo have been engaged in a dispute over this fee for some time. In 2019, MTN briefly disconnected Glo subscribers due to a debt of N4 billion.
A source close to Glo has confirmed that the debt has been paid. The source stated, “We made the outstanding payments within the allowed timeframe. Therefore, it is surprising that this is happening. We have already settled the outstanding amount.”
Another industry insider verified the payment but noted that there are still concerns regarding interest payments. The source also mentioned the involvement of the National Assembly.
The source explained, “The issue has not yet been resolved. The NCC has intervened, and they are awaiting a resolution. MTN is still waiting for instructions from the NCC. Even the National Assembly has summoned both companies.”
“The party that owed the debt has paid a significant portion of what they owed. However, they still owe interest and VAT remittance.”
