21 October 2019: Glo customers are left stranded yet again, after NCC released a pre-disconnection notice.

The notice which was released on 18th October, cam with a 10-day grace period and was directed towards the general public and subscribers of Glomobile Limited granting approval for partial disconnection of Glo from Airtel Networks.

This step was taken courtesy Glo’s inability to settle the interconnection charges they owed to Airtel.

Post 28th October, which is the deadline, Glo subscribers wont be able to many any calls to Airtel lines, but they wont have any issue receiving calls from an Airtel connection.

"The Nigerian Communications Commission hereby notifies the general public and subscribers of Glomobile Limited (Glomobile) that approval has been granted for the partial disconnection of Glomobile from Airtel Networks Limited (Airtel) as a result of non-settlement of interconnect charges.

Glomobile was notified of the application and was given opportunity to comment and state its case. 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.

All subscribers are therefore requested to TAKE NOTICE that: 

1. 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 on Procedure for Granting Approval to Disconnect Telecommunications Operators. 

2. At the expiration of 10 days from the date of this notice, subscribers on the network of Glomobile will no longer be able to make calls to Airtel, but will be able to RECEIVE CALLS. 

3. The Partial Disconnection however, will allow in-bound calls to the Glomobile network. 

Please note that this disconnection will subsist until otherwise determined by the Commission.”

This isn't the first negligence by Glo

In December of 2018, the NCC had granted approval to MTN, IHS, and Airtel to partially disconnect interconnection debtors. Glo obviously was one of the debtors, and was hence partially disconnected from MTN in July of this year. Although, the matter was later settled.

What it means for Glo's 47 million subscribers

Massive disruption.

Next steps

Glo and Airtel OUGHT to meet at the negotiating table.

Reporting for EasyKobo on Monday , 21 October 2019 in Lagos, Nigeria