The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) has put on hold its intention to restrict Glo subscribers from calling MTN lines for a period of 21 days.
The Director of Public Affairs for the NCC, Reuben Mouka, announced in a statement on Thursday, that the commission opted to defer the action following an agreement between the telecommunications companies to address and settle all unresolved issues between them.
Previously, the regulatory body had granted approval for MTN Nigerian Communications Plc. to initiate the gradual disconnection of Globacom Limited starting from January 18, 2024, due to a protracted interconnection debt dispute between the two entities.
Nevertheless, in its recent directive, the commission announced the suspension of the partial disconnection for a period of 21 days, effective from January 18, 2024.
“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,” NCC said.
“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.”
The NCC highlighted that its authorization for disconnection could have ramifications for consumers.
In the extension announcement, the NCC emphasized the imperative for mobile network operators and other licensees in the telecom industry to comply with the terms and conditions outlined in their licenses, particularly those specified in their interconnection agreements.