Globacom refutes MTN's interconnect charges, challenges NCC disconnection notice

Globacom refutes MTN’s interconnect charges, challenges NCC disconnection notice

Joy Agwunobi

Globacom, one of Nigeria’s leading telecommunications companies, has denied reports that it owes MTN Nigeria interconnect charges. In a statement to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), a source at Globacom confirmed that the disputed amount of N1.6 billion was paid without any issues. This contradicts reports that Globacom is behind on its payments to MTN and owes interconnect charges.

The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) had previously approved a partial disconnection of Globacom by MTN, due to Globacom’s refusal to settle its interconnect debt. This decision was made in accordance with the NCC’s guidelines for interconnection in Nigeria. These guidelines state that if a service provider fails to settle its interconnect debt within 30 days, the aggrieved party may take measures such as partial disconnection.

The NCC’s notice on the partial disconnection of Globacom by MTN contradicts the statement from Globacom’s source. While the source stated that the disputed interconnect charges had been settled, the NCC’s notice indicates that this is not the case.

According to the NCC’s notice, after reviewing the circumstances surrounding the interconnect debt, it was determined that there was no valid reason for Globacom’s failure to make the required payment. As a result, the NCC concluded that Globacom had violated the terms of the interconnection agreement.

The notice stated that Globacom had 10 days from January 8 to make the required payment, or the partial disconnection would be carried out.

The NCC’s notice also stated that the partial disconnection was in accordance with Section 100 of the Nigerian Communications Act (2003) and paragraph nine of the Guidelines on Procedure for Granting Approval to Disconnect Telecommunications Operators (2012). These guidelines stipulate that a partial disconnection may be implemented if an operator fails to comply with the terms of its interconnection agreement.

According to the NCC, subscribers of Globacom would no longer be able to make calls to MTN, but would still be able to receive calls, after the expiration of 10 days from January 8.

The NCC’s notice served as a way to inform subscribers of the impending partial disconnection. However, a representative of Globacom disputed the NCC’s conclusion that the company owed MTN for interconnect charges. The official stated that no debt was owed and that the NCC’s report was inaccurate. He also pointed to the company’s significant contribution to improving telecommunications access throughout Nigeria.