The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), yesterday, suspended its plan to bar Glo subscribers from calling MTN lines for 21 days.
In a statement issued by the NCC’s Director, Public Affairs, Reuben Mouka, the Commission explained that it suspended the action after the telcos agreed to resolve all outstanding issues between them.
Recall that the NCC had granted partial approval to MTN Nigeria, to commence a phased disconnection of Globacom Limited, effective January 18, due to a lingering interconnection debt dispute between the network providers.
The statement reads in part: “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, January 17, 2024.
“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.
“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.”
NCC also tasked mobile network operators and other licensees in the telecom industry to adhere to the terms and conditions of their licences, especially as contained in their interconnection agreements.
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.
