Nigeria’s telecom regulator grants Glo 21 more days to settle interconnect debt with MTN

Nigeria’s telecom regulator grants Glo 21 more days to settle interconnect debt with MTN

The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) declared in a recent announcement that MTN Nigeria and Globacom had reached a settlement to end their financial dispute related to interconnectivity. In an exercise of its regulatory power, the NCC, which had previously granted Glo 10 days to make good on its debt, has now temporarily halted the disconnect for a further 21 days. Within this timeframe, the telecom watchdog expects the interconnect debt issue to be resolved. 

The NCC partially authorized MTN’s request to disconnect Glo last week, allowing Glo users to continue receiving calls from MTN but not initiating calls to MTN. Nonetheless, MTN and Glo users will still be able to call and be called by one another throughout the new 21-day extension. The panel stressed how crucial it is for all functioning Businesses to pay for their interconnect bills on schedule to keep network customers from experiencing any disruption.

The NCC reiterated that full regulatory compliance, including payment of interconnect fees, is mandatory for all licensed firms operating in the telecom sector. Although there has always been a law requiring telecoms to compensate one another for connections, enforcement has historically been shoddy, which has resulted in a large debt over time.

The MTN and Glo agreement was made at a time when Nigerian carriers are asking the government for approval to boost rates by up to 15% as a result of high operational costs. As discussions on the hike’s possible impact on network users go on, the telecom regulator is demanding that the telecoms offer more justifications for the increase.

The problems confronting the Nigerian telecoms sector include the interconnect debt dispute between MTN and Glo. The industry has been battling several problems, such as regulatory compliance, quality of service, and shared infrastructure.

To provide fair competition for all industry participants, the NCC has been tackling these issues. Enforcing regulations and making sure all telecoms fulfill their financial responsibilities to each other have been the commission’s aggressive actions.

Apart from addressing the debt issue related to interconnect, the NCC has been concentrating on enhancing the quality of service for telecom users. The commission has established key performance indicators (KPIs) that operators must satisfy to improve Nigeria’s telecom services’ general quality.

Additionally, To cut costs and enhance network coverage, the NCC has been encouraging carriers to share infrastructure. To overcome the difficulties associated with network growth and enhance service delivery throughout the nation, the commission plans to promote cooperation in infrastructure deployment.

The NCC is still dedicated to developing a competitive and long-lasting telecom market even as Nigeria’s telecom sector develops further. Positive progress has been made in resolving the interconnect debt issue between MTN and Glo, and the NCC will remain essential in making sure that all operators follow the law and support the expansion of the sector.

In addition, the NCC has been striving to guarantee industry-fair competition and regulatory compliance. This involves keeping an eye on and enforcing laws about tariffs, service quality, and consumer protection. The commission hopes to safeguard consumer interests and level the playing field for all operators by doing this.

The NCC also prioritizes investment and innovation in the telecommunications industry. The Internet of Things (IoT), 5G, and digital financial services are just a few of the new technologies and services that the commission has been striving to make more accessible. The objective is to propel economic expansion and enhance Nigeria’s entire digital ecosystem.

Furthermore, the NCC has been interacting with industry participants, such as operators, trade associations, and consumer advocacy organizations, to get opinions and input on important topics. The commission is better able to make judgments and create rules that benefit all parties involved in the telecom industry because of this cooperative approach.

The NCC’s overall goal is to establish a thriving and competitive Nigerian telecoms sector. To create a strong telecom ecosystem that benefits operators and customers alike, the commission is tackling issues like interconnect debts, infrastructure sharing, quality of service, and regulatory compliance.

In tackling security and privacy issues in the telecom sector, the NCC has also taken the initiative. The commission has implemented policies to guarantee the confidentiality of customer data and the security and integrity of telecom networks. This covers rules and policies about network integrity, cybersecurity, and data protection to defend against potential dangers and weaknesses.

Additionally, to facilitate the expansion of internet and mobile services, the NCC has been involved in spectrum management and allocation. The commission strives to make sure that spectrum resources are distributed and used effectively to satisfy the growing demand for mobile connectivity and high-speed internet access.

Additionally, the NCC is essential to advancing digital inclusion and closing the gap between.