The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) has called on mobile telecom providers to pay all outstanding interconnect debts to avoid crisis in the sector.

The commission in a statement said interconnect debts must be settled by all operating companies as a necessary component towards compliance with regulatory obligations of all licensees.

The commission said the statement became imperative following on-going feud between  MTN and Glo over the later alleged failure to resolve long-standing interconnection debt dispute.

Statement signed by Reuben Mouka, Director Public Affairs of the NCC said “it is  OBLIGATORY that Mobile Network Operators (MNOs) and other licensees in the telecom industry keep to the terms and conditions of their licenses, especially as contained in their interconnection agreements.

According to the statement “Whilst the Commission expects MTN and Glo to resolve all outstanding issues within the 21-day period, the Commission insists that interconnect debts must be settled by all operating companies as a necessary component towards compliance with regulatory obligations of all licensees.

“On January 8, 2024 the Nigerian Communications Commission published a Pre-Disconnection Notice informing subscribers of the approval granted to MTN Nigerian Communications Plc. (MTN) to commence the phased disconnection of Globacom Limited (Glo) with effect from January 18, 2024 due to long-standing interconnection debt dispute between the parties.

“In granting the approval, the Commission was deeply conscious of the potential impacts of the decision on consumers and therefore continued to engage both parties to facilitate a resolution which prioritizes and protects consumer interest and the seamless operation of the national telecoms network”.

It however said that the ‘Commission is pleased to announce that the parties have now reached agreement to resolve all outstanding issues between them. For this reason, and in exercise of its regulatory powers in that regard, the Commission has put the phased disconnection on hold for a period of 21 (twenty-one) days From 17th January, 2024″.