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In a dramatic prelude to a potential telecom showdown, the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) took center stage on January 8, 2024, issuing a captivating Pre-Disconnection Notice. The notice signaled the green light for MTN Nigerian Communications Plc. (MTN) to initiate the phased disconnection of Globacom Limited (Glo) from January 18, 2024. The reason behind this telecommunication tussle? A lingering interconnection debt dispute between the two industry giants.
Acknowledging the imminent impact on consumers, the NCC, playing the role of a diplomatic maestro, engaged in ongoing discussions with both MTN and Glo. The regulatory symphony aimed to harmonize a resolution that not only safeguarded consumer interests but also ensured the uninterrupted orchestration of the national telecoms network.
Breaking news echoed through the telecom corridors as the NCC proudly announced a crescendo of compromise. MTN and Glo, two behemoths in the telecom arena, reached an agreement to bury the hatchet and resolve all lingering disputes. Flexing its regulatory muscles, the NCC, in an act of benevolence, decided to hit the pause button on the phased disconnection for a grace period of 21 days starting from January 17, 2024.
However, with the theatrical flair reserved for regulatory drama, the NCC laid down the law. While extending an olive branch, it insisted that the intertwined issues must be untangled within the stipulated 21-day timeframe. The NCC, holding firm to its regulatory scepter, emphasized the non-negotiable settlement of interconnect debts by all operating companies. Compliance with the terms and conditions of licenses, especially those embedded in interconnection agreements, became a non-negotiable encore.
As the curtains rise on this telecom saga, signed and sealed by Reuben Mouka, Director of Public Affairs at NCC, the next act will unfold in the delicate dance between regulatory obligations, industry compliance, and the unpredictable rhythm of telecommunication negotiations. The stage is set, and the spotlight is on MTN, Glo, and the 21-day countdown orchestrated by the NCC. The audience, comprising millions of subscribers, waits in suspense for the resolution of this captivating telecom spectacle.
