The interconnect debt dispute between MTN Nigeria Communications Plc. (MTN) and Globacom Limited (Globacom) has been amicably resolved, Digital TimesNG can authoritatively report.
Nigeria’s telecom regulator, the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) who announced this via a press release Thursday night said following the resolution, the disconnection approval granted to MTN for the disconnection of Globacom has now been withdrawn.
“Following its initial Public Notice, the Commission with the aim of mitigating any potential disruptions to subscribers, undertook further regulatory intervention, by mediating between the parties and facilitating the reconciliation process.
“The Commission reiterates that strict adherence to the terms and conditions of licenses, particularly those delineated in interconnection agreements, is imperative for all Mobile Network Operators (MNOs) and other licensees within the telecommunications industry,” NCC said in the statement signed by its Director, Public Affairs, Reuben Muoka.
The NCC stated that to proactively address and prevent future instances of interconnect indebtedness within the industry, the Commission will be requesting relevant records and regular updates from MNOs, as well as adopting a transparent approach towards industry indebtedness.
This statement it said, “serves as a reminder of the Commission’s commitment to fostering a stable and compliant telecommunications ecosystem in Nigeria.”
Digital TimesNG recalls that the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) had on January 17, 2024, announced a 21-day suspension of the approval it granted MTN Nigeria for a phased disconnection of Globacom subscribers from its network, following the agreement reached by the two leading telecom service providers to resolve all outstanding issues between them.
Recall also that the NCC had on January 8, 2024, 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 a long-standing interconnection debt dispute between the two telecommunication giants.