In a recent development, the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) has announced the postponement of the planned disconnection of Globacom Limited (Glo) by MTN Nigerian Communications Plc, following a long-standing interconnection debt dispute between the two telecom giants.
The NCC’s decision, communicated through a statement signed by Director of Public Affairs Reuben Mouka on Thursday, comes as a result of an agreement reached between MTN and Glo to address all outstanding issues. The phased disconnection, initially set to commence from January 18, 2024, has been put on hold for a 21-day period starting January 17, 2024.
Dr Aminu Maida, the new Executive Vice Chairman of NCC, emphasized during a media briefing that the commission’s primary concern is the consumer. He stated, “The commission has intervened because the key thing is that both parties are on the table, and there is a commitment to solving the issues within the next 21 days.”
This extension allows MTN and Glo the opportunity to amicably resolve their differences, with the NCC stressing the importance of settling interconnect debts as a crucial element of regulatory compliance for all telecom licensees.
The NCC’s regulatory intervention aims to ensure uninterrupted communication services for consumers, and the commission expects a swift resolution between the involved parties within the stipulated timeframe.