Anti-Competitive Practices: The recent order by the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) approving MTN Nigeria’s request to partially disconnect services to rival Globacom over unpaid interconnect fees has raised concerns from industry observers.
While interconnect debt disputes are not uncommon in the telecom industry, the unprecedented move to bar millions of consumers from accessing rival networks risks significant disruption. It also sets a troubling precedent for anti-competitive practices being enabled by the regulator.
Experts have questioned whether the NCC has sufficiently verified MTN’s claims or given Globacom adequate opportunities to dispute the fees. The abrupt 10-day disconnection order suggests a rushed decision-making process compared to international best practices.
This also is not the first time the NCC has faced accusations of unfairly favoring the MTN juggernaut at the expense of younger operators like Globacom. Earlier interconnect rate cuts have been perceived by some as a way to cement MTN’s dominant market position.
At stake is not just the impact on Globacom’s 22 million subscribers but the wider implications of what this means for leveling the playing field. If smaller rivals feel the NCC stacking the competitive landscape in MTN’s favor, then Nigeria risks undermining innovation, quality of service improvements and affordability gains from enduring competition.
While the NCC has a duty to act on unpaid dues, it also has a statutory mandate to promote fair competition. The lack of transparency and due diligence around this disconnection order has made the regulator appear more interested in securing the profit interests of MTN than in fostering vibrant competition.
Anti-Competitive Practices: This risks significant long-term harm to consumer welfare and market stability. The NCC must rethink its directive or provide full details on why such an anti-competitive decision was deemed necessary. Anything less further tarnishes its standing as an impartial industry steward.
Source Glo subscribers to be barred from calling MTN lines NCC