Glo subscribers are set to face disruptions in making calls to MTN lines as a consequence of unresolved interconnect charges. This revelation comes directly from the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), as stated in a public notice signed by Reuben Muoka, Director of the Public Affairs Department.
The NCC, in its notice on Monday, informed the public that it has given partial approval for disconnecting Glo from MTN Nigeria Communications Plc. The commission disclosed, “Globacom was notified of the application made by MTN and was given the opportunity to comment and state its case.”
After a thorough examination of the circumstances surrounding the non-payment of interconnect charges, the NCC concluded that Globacom lacks sufficient or justifiable reasons for the outstanding debt. Consequently, at the end of 10 days from the notice date, Glo subscribers will lose the ability to make calls to MTN numbers. However, they will still be able to receive calls, with the partial disconnection allowing in-bound calls to the Globacom network.
This isn’t the first instance of Glo subscribers facing disconnection due to interconnect charge issues with MTN. In 2019, MTN briefly disconnected Glo subscribers following a directive from the NCC over a N4bn debt. The NCC had previously approved the disconnection of mobile network operators for unpaid interconnect debts.
The total disconnect fee in the industry back then amounted to about N165bn. In the current situation, a source from MTN indicates that Glo owes approximately N6bn in interconnect fees. Despite efforts to obtain Glo’s reaction, the company has yet to comment on the issue.
As of the end of August 2023, Glo boasted 61.39 million mobile subscriptions. However, according to the latest NCC notice, starting from January 18, 2024, these lines will no longer be able to make calls to MTN lines. The move underscores the critical need for telecom operators to settle interconnect charges promptly to avoid disruptions in service.
