Glo and MTN Resolve Interconnect Debt Dispute, NCC Announces
The long-standing interconnect debt dispute between MTN Nigeria Communications Plc and Globacom Limited has finally been resolved, as confirmed by the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) in a statement released on Thursday.
The resolution comes within the 21-day grace period given to Glo by the NCC in January, during which 61.54 million mobile subscriptions on Glo’s network were at risk of disconnection from making calls to MTN.
Initially, in January, the NCC had warned of possible call restrictions between Glo and MTN due to the non-settlement of interconnect charges, with a directive to take effect after a 10-day notice period. This notice was later extended by 21 days to allow both parties to reach an agreement and mitigate potential disruptions to subscribers.
The NCC's Director of Public Affairs, Reuben Muoka, signed the statement confirming the resolution. According to the statement, the disconnection approval granted to MTN for Glo's disconnection has been withdrawn following the amicable resolution of the dispute.
The commission also emphasized its role in mediating between the two telecom giants and facilitating the reconciliation process to avoid disruptions for subscribers.
Furthermore, the NCC reiterated its commitment to ensuring compliance with interconnection agreements and announced its intention to request relevant records and regular updates from Mobile Network Operators (MNOs) to prevent future instances of interconnect indebtedness within the industry.
This resolution signifies a significant step towards fostering stability and compliance within Nigeria's telecommunications ecosystem, in line with the NCC's mandate to regulate the industry effectively.
