SHALOM OLALEYE
The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) has announced the resolution of the interconnect debt dispute between MTN Nigeria Communications Plc. and Globacom Limited, bringing relief to subscribers and stakeholders.
The commission revealed that the disconnection approval granted to MTN for Globacom’s disconnection has been withdrawn, signifying a positive outcome to the negotiations.
“In accordance with this resolution, the disconnection approval granted to MTN for the disconnection of Globacom has now been withdrawn.” NCC said in a statement.
In response to the initial public notice and with a focus on minimizing subscriber disruptions, the NCC intervened further by mediating between the two telecommunications giants and facilitating a reconciliation process. Emphasizing the importance of adherence to license terms and conditions, especially within interconnection agreements, the Commission underscores the necessity for Mobile Network Operators (MNOs) and other licensees to uphold their obligations.
Looking ahead, the Commission asserts its proactive stance in addressing and preventing future interconnect indebtedness in the industry. To achieve this, it plans to request relevant records and regular updates from MNOs, (Mobile Network Operators) adopting a transparent approach towards industry indebtedness.