Nigerian telecom subscribers, particularly those on the Globacom network, may face a disruption in their ability to call MTN lines due to the non-payment of interconnect charges, warns the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC). The possibility of this disruption was communicated through a communique issued on Monday by Reuben Muoka, the Director of the Public Affairs Department at NCC.
According to the statement, the NCC has granted partial approval for the disconnection of Globacom from MTN Nigeria Communications Plc, citing non-payment of interconnect charges. The notice indicated that Globacom was informed of the application made by MTN and was given an opportunity to present its case.
“The Commission, having examined the application and circumstances surrounding the indebtedness, determined that Globacom does not have sufficient or justifiable reason for non-payment of the interconnect charges,” the notice revealed.
The NCC specified that, at the end of 10 days from the date of the notice, subscribers on the Globacom network might lose the ability to make calls to MTN numbers, although they would still be able to receive calls. The partial disconnection measure would, however, allow in-bound calls to the Globacom network.
The potential disruption in interconnectivity raises concerns for telecom users and highlights the importance of resolving financial obligations between telecommunications companies.
Further details on the situation are expected to be provided as the situation unfolds.