From Adanna Nnamani, Abuja
The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) has decided to postpone its 21-day ban on Glo subscribers calling MTN lines.
This decision comes after the Pre-Disconnection Notice issued on January 8, 2024, where the commission approved the phased disconnection of Globacom Limited by MTN Nigeria Communications Plc. starting from January 18.
The long-running debt issue between the telecom providers over their connections spurred the move.
In a statement on Thursday, NCC’s Director of Public Affairs, Reuben Mouka, said the commission decided to suspend the action after the telcos agreed to resolve all outstanding issues between them.
The statement read: “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.
“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 prioritises and protects consumer interest and the seamless operation of the national telecoms network.
“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.
“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. “