Globacom subscribers have been granted an additional 21 days to call MTN lines, as the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) postponed the planned barring of Glo subscribers from making calls to MTN lines.

The NCC announced the extension in a statement signed by Director of Public Affairs, Reuben Mouka, following its initial Pre-Disconnection Notice on January 8, 2024.

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The commission approved MTN Nigeria Communications Plc. to commence the phased disconnection of Globacom Limited from January 18, 2024, due to a longstanding interconnection debt dispute.

However, both parties have now reached an agreement to resolve outstanding issues, leading to the NCC’s decision to put the phased disconnection on hold for 21 days starting from January 17, 2024.

While expecting MTN and Glo to resolve all outstanding issues within the stipulated period, the NCC emphasized the importance of settling interconnect debts as a necessary component for regulatory compliance.

The commission highlighted the potential impact on consumers and urged mobile network operators to adhere to the terms and conditions of their licenses and interconnection agreements.

The NCC, in its extension notice, underscored its commitment to the consumer’s interest and mentioned its focus on creating a framework for a permanent solution to the industry’s interconnect debt issue.

The Executive Vice Chairman, Dr. Aminu Maida, emphasized the commitment of both parties to resolving the issues within the specified timeframe.

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The commission aims to improve the quality of experience for telecommunication consumers and minimize the need for a double sim regime in the country.

The interconnect charge, a fee paid by telecom operators for calls terminating on their networks, has been a source of contention between MTN and Glo.

The commission’s intervention seeks to ensure a resolution and a long-term solution to the interconnect debt challenge in the industry.

Despite the ongoing dispute, a source close to Glo asserted that the telco had made outstanding payments, disputing the need for disconnection.