As Nigeria’s two biggest mobile network operators (MNOs), MTN and Globacom intensify talks to permanently resolve their interconnection disputes, more information has emerged to suggest that the issue may be deeper than earlier believed.

For about a week, subscribers of Globacom went through difficulties while trying to initiate calls to MTN subscribers following partial disconnection of Globacom by MTN as a result of interconnection disputes.


Obtaining formal responses from the two sides have been difficult but unofficial sources at MTN alleged that Globacom owes MTN up to N10 billion naira in unpaid interconnection fees. This was reported by a national publication, Businessday.

A report in Punch however quoted the Nigerian Communications Commission as saying the amount in dispute between Globacom and Mtn was about N4 billion out of which Globacom was said to have paid N500 million while discussions were still ongoing to agree on the final figures.

Globacom’s Communications Department refused to comment on the issue when contacted, saying there were ongoing discussions between the two companies towards a resolution.

A source in the communications industry on Wednesday alleged that MTN might have pushed the N10 billion narrative as a desperate attempt to garner public sympathy, since NCC had stated that the figure in dispute was about four billion naira while Globacom was believed to have argued that the amount was less than N4 billion.

The source said the sum of N500 million Globacom paid to Mtn ahead of the conclusion of the reconcilliation process was in good faith and wondered why MTN went ahead to implement a partial disconnection.

Telecom analysts hint at a long-standing undercurrent of rivalry dating back many years that have just been brought to the fore by the interconnection impasse.

Since its entry into the market, Globacom, has remained the disruptor in the country’s telecom market, running its own race independent of earlier operators’ unspoken agreement, especially where the operator believed running with other operators would mean giving subscribers less value for money.

For instance, when MTN and the other major operator at the time, Econet, insisted that the market was not mature for the introduction of Per Second Billing of calls, Globacom refused to play along and introduced per second billing to the delight of telecom users and chagrin of fellow operators.
Since then, Globacom has consistently played disruptive roles aimed at delivering more value to the consumers at the expense of the operators.

“There is also the angle of what I would call ‘competitive strategy’. You can’t rule that out. Globacom is recording steady growth as evidenced in the monthly report of the Nigerian Communications Commission in the last one year. MTN’s move might have been to strategically slow down the rate of growth of the aggressive competitor,” said the analyst.

He noted that this is not far-fetched when one considers how other South African brands have successfully weakened competition in other sectors and emerged the dominant figures. “In the pay TV sector today, DSTV is a near monopoly,” the analyst said.

Another analyst also cited the recent troubles MTN has had, especially in the area of xenophobic attacks, pointing out that these might also have accounted for its decision to come down hard on Globacom out of frustration as a distraction strategy.

Feelers from the two companies last night suggested that they are coming near a permanent settlement. Whatever the issues, it is hoped that the two will permanently resolve their issues for the benefit of their customers.

Enraged Nigerian subscribers have already sounded notes of warning to MTN, warning the company not to kill a Nigerian telco.

https://triotinaija.com.ng/top-3-reasons-interconnection-dispute-glo-mtn-turned-vicious/

Trust empty hen to always inflate things. Na their way.

Same people that enjoy zapping data and airtime like someone offended them. But why go as far as sabotaging connectivity when discussions has already started? This is unfair to customers.

Really unfair

MTN? lmaooooo.

Why am I not surprised? It comes easily to them. And yet some people were putting then when NCC fined them the other time. I knew they wouldn't learn or change their kalokalo

AnonPoet:
Trust empty hen to always inflate things. Na their way.

Same people that enjoy zapping data and airtime like someone offended them. But why go as far as sabotaging connectivity when discussions has already started? This is unfair to customers.

Really unfair

I swear. It is not like the network is that good where I stay sef. And worse is that the shi is expensive AF

Tabithatim:
MTN? lmaooooo.

Why am I not surprised? It comes easily to them. And yet some people were putting then when NCC fined them the other time. I knew they wouldn't learn or change their kalokalo

NCC should fine them heavily for putting customers through this sort of thing. The regulatory bodies need to be proactive in these issues

Data zapping MTN na wa o��‍♀️

MTN fake news carrier!

AnonPoet:
Trust empty hen to always inflate things. Na their way.

Same people that enjoy zapping data and airtime like someone offended them. But why go as far as sabotaging connectivity when discussions has already started? This is unfair to customers.

Really unfair

Why should glo delay in their payment? They can easily spent money on celebrity endorsement but can not pay their debt. Is Airtel owing MTN?

asuustrike1:

Why should glo delay in their payment? They can easily spent money on celebrity endorsement but can not pay their debt. Is Airtel owing MTN?

Another angle

That is MTN's way... Stealing and lying! I am not surprised. Even if Glo is owning cutting their should not be the last resort

asuustrike1:

Why should glo delay in their payment? They can easily spent money on celebrity endorsement but can not pay their debt. Is Airtel owing MTN?

We all know that everything in Nigeria is politics and the fact is everybody is owing even Nigeria! It is business and I am sure NCC wouldn't have asked them to pay the money AT ONCE! That is not possible

It is interesting to read this story. Glo has come out to explain what is happening but then to me MTN is still at fault! It is beef! You don't expect business man to pay such money at a go. That is wickedness. Has MTN paid Nigerian government it's money too?

For your information!!!!

MTN is owning Nigerian government N1.04 trillion for SIM Violation but was negotiated to N330 billion. IMAGINE OO

Following a negotiated reduction of the N1.04 trillion fine on MTN Nigeria to N330 billion and in line with the staggered payment arrangement, MTN has, so far, AS AT MAY 2019 MTN HAS paid N275 billion to the federal government.

toyosilawal12:
For your information!!!!

MTN is owning Nigerian government N1.04 trillion for SIM Violation but was negotiated to N330 billion. IMAGINE OO

Following a negotiated reduction of the N1.04 trillion fine on MTN Nigeria to N330 billion and in line with the staggered payment arrangement, MTN has, so far, AS AT MAY 2019 MTN HAS paid N275 billion to the federal government.

Should Nigerian government take off MTN services because of that??

It is bad! MTN should be checked!

We are just too lenient in this country! MTN has done more harm to us that the good!

I weep to see foreign country treat us in such a way without any form of protest against them.

NCC should react to this and let's see what happens ... Do they expect a business owner to pay such debt in a VERY short while?

No no

It's not done

Wow. So even MTN wasn't being honest.

Good one from Glo. This mature and clear! We are for Glo!

Na dem sabi



I will design and develop your professional website today...check my signature

Hmm

The 2 biggest thief ripping Nigerians of there hard earned money in the name of DATA and CALL TARIFF

South African weaken competitors? Or we have some useless senators who are greedy and not ready to make things easy for other competitors.

AnonPoet:
Trust empty hen to always inflate things. Na their way.

Same people that enjoy zapping data and airtime like someone offended them. But why go as far as sabotaging connectivity when discussions has already started? This is unfair to customers.

Really unfair

Tabithatim:
MTN? lmaooooo.

Why am I not surprised? It comes easily to them. And yet some people were putting then when NCC fined them the other time. I knew they wouldn't learn or change their kalokalo

OEPHIUS:


NCC should fine them heavily for putting customers through this sort of thing. The regulatory bodies need to be proactive in these issues

Just look at you.

So, it is mtn that is at fault? What happened to glo that is owing MTN N4bn?

Why did glo default in payment?

So mtn should continue running at loss because of glo stupidity and lack of direction?

No wonder Nigeria is where it is because it is filled with ignoramuses like you lots.

Ogun lakaye killed them all

All these networks na scam, that's why I trust Airtel. You won't get all these this kind of funny stories and you'll enjoy the benefits of their amazing offers like the Binge plan where you get 1gb for N350

Emptyhen

asuustrike1:

Why should glo delay in their payment? They can easily spent money on celebrity endorsement but can not pay their debt. Is Airtel owing MTN?

Exactly.. Gbam!!

Too many ignorant people on Nairaland