NCC Cautions MNOs Over Interconnection Agreements Default

… Lifts Phased Disconnection Mandate Against Globacom

In a bid to protect the interest of telecommunication consumers, the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) has advised Mobile Network Operators (MNOs) to ensure they settle their interconnection debts, which is part of their obligation in acquiring their licenses.

According to the regulatory body, the Commission will not take kindly to breaches in settling interconnect debts as it affects the consumers negatively.

In a statement signed by the Director of Public Affairs, Mr. Reuben Muoka, the Commission emphatically noted: “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 warning is coming on the heels of the Commission’s intervention in the interconnect impasse between telecom giants MTN Nigeria and Globacom Limited, even as the NCC announced the temporary lifting of a disconnection notice earlier 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.

Announcing the decision, the NCC noted: “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.

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.”

It restated its expectation that the two disagreeing parties, MTN and Glo, should resolve all outstanding issues within the 21-day period, to enable seamless communication between their customers.

“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 concluded.