MTN-GLO CRISIS: NCC Intervenes, Suspends Phased Disconnection 

Following the crisis between MTN Nigerian Communications Plc. (MTN) and Globacom Limited (Glo) on the issue of phased disconnection, the Nigeria Communications Commission (NCC) has intervened between the two giant telecommunication companies.

Kindly recall that, MTN Nigeria has issued a Phased Disconnection Notice to the Globacom company, and that would deny their Globacom, subscribers the access to connect MTN network on their respective lines.

It is important to state that, the telecommunication regulator in the country, NCC issued an approval for MTN to proceed in the phased disconnection of GLO due to their long-standing interconnection debt dispute on January 8th, 2024.

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In a turn of event via press conference, the Nigeria Communications Commission (NCC) has thus stopped the go ahead given to MTN to Phased Disconnect Glo from its network and give a 21days ultimatum for the duo to resolved issues between them, and further ordered Globacom Nigeria to pay up her debt before the expiration of the 21days ultimatum.

Press Statement 

Re: PRE-DISCONNECTION NOTICE

1. 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.

2. 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.

3. The Commission is pleased to announce that the parties have now reached agreement to resolve all outstanding issues between them. 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.

4. 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.

SIGNED

Reuben Mouka

DIRECTOR, PUBLIC AFFAIRS

NIGERIAN COMMUNICATIONS COMMISSION