–

Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) has suspended the phased out disconnection of GLO from MTN for 21 days starting from January 17 to allow the two networks to resolve the outstanding issues between them. .

The decision which was contained in a press release, tagged “Re: Pre-Disconnection Notice”, by the NCC Director of Public Affairs, Rueben Muoka, dated 17 January, 2024, stated that the suspended phased disconnection was a fallout of an agreement between Glo and MTN to resolve all outstanding issues between them.

“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 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,” it said.

The regulatory agency had, on 8 January, 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.

NCC, however, stated that despite granting the approval, it continued to engage both parties to facilitate a resolution which protects consumer interest and the seamless operation of the national telecoms network.