Why NCC granted Airtel permission to disconnect GLO network

The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) has granted Airtel Networks Limited an approval to partially disconnect Globacom from its network.

“The Commission having examined the application and circumstances surrounding the indebtedness determined that the affected operator does not have sufficient reason for non-payment of interconnect charges,” NCC spokesman Henry Nkemadu said in a statement.

“All subscribers are, therefore, requested to take notice that the Commission has approved the partial disconnection of Glomobile by Airtel in accordance with Section 100 of the Nigerian Communications Act 2003 and the Guidelines and Procedure for Granting Approval to disconnect Telecommunication Operators.”
Nkemadu disclosed that Glo had been notified of Airtel’s application and was given the opportunity to comment and state its case.

The disconnection will take effect from Monday, October 28.
He said the disconnection will take effect if Glo fails to address the debt issues after 10 days.
The partial disconnection will make it impossible for Glo subscribers to make calls to Airtel network but can receive calls from the network.
The partial disconnection, however, will allow in-bound calls to the Glo-mobile network.
The NCC spokesman said that the disconnection will “subsist until otherwise determined by the Commission.”
Earlier this year, MTN had accused Globacom of refusing to pay up its interconnect fees and threatened to disconnect Glo subscribers before NCC intervened.

(Credit: Guardian)