The Nigerian Communications Commission, NCC, has warned that it is compulsory for all Mobile Network Operators, MNOs, and other licensees in the telecom industry to keep to the terms and conditions of their licences, especially as contained in their interconnection agreements.
NCC gave the warning while announcing the suspension of its approval granted 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 a statement issued by its Director, Public Affairs, Reuben Mouka, NCC said the decision to suspend the phased disconnection followed the resolve of the two parties to settle their problems amicably.
He said the suspension of the disconnection was for a period of 21 days during which debts must be settled by all operating companies.
The statement reads in part: “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.”
The NCC explained that in granting the disconnection earlier, it was conscious of the potential impacts of the decision on consumers and therefore continued to engage both parties to facilitate a resolution which prioritized and protected consumer interest and the seamless operation of the national telecoms network.
