MTN to Disconnect Glo Lines by Jan. 18
In barely two weeks, customers of Indigenous Telecoms Company, Globacom will not be able to make calls across to MTN network. This is because, the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) has approved MTN to disconnect all Glo subscribers from its network with effect from January 18, 2024.
The Telecoms regulatory body, NCC says MTN would partially disconnect all Glo subscribers and restrict them from making calls to MTN network, but they can receive in-coming calls generated from the MTN network.
According to the NCC in a statement signed by its Director of Public Affairs, Mr. Reuben Muoka, the decision became necessary, following the refusal of Globacom to pay ‘interconnection fees’ owed to MTN.
In the statement, the NCC did not disclose the amount owed by Globacom, it however said it had investigated the matter and decided that Glo subscribers be partially disconnected after 10 days from Monday January 8.
The statement explained: “The Commission hereby notify the public and subscribers of Globacom that approval has been granted for the partial disconnection of Globacom from MTN Nigeria, due to non-settlement of interconnect charges.
“Globacom was notified of the application made by MTN and was given opportunity to comment and state its case. NCC, having examined the application and circumstances surrounding the indebtedness, determined that Globacom does not have sufficient or justifiable reasons for non-payment of the interconnect charges. Dangote Reacts to EFCC Visit to Headquarters
“All subscribers are therefore requested to take note that NCC has approved the partial disconnection of Globacom to MTN in accordance with Section 100 of the Nigerian Communications Commission Act 2003 and Paragraph 9 of the Guidelines on Procedure for Granting Approval to Disconnect Telecommunications Operators 2012.
“At the expiration of 10 days from the date of the notice, subscribers of Globacom will no longer be able to make calls to MTN, but will be able to receive calls.
The partial disconnection, however, will allow inbound calls to Globacom network. The disconnection will subsist until otherwise determined by the NCC,” the statement added.
Meanwhile, industry sources disclosed that the amount due for payment is in the region of N1.6 billion.
By Dayo Badmus
