The Nigerian Communications Commission has approved MTN Nigeria’s request to disconnect Exchange Telecommunications Limited (Exchange Telecoms) over unpaid interconnect charges.
The announcement was made in a statement issued by the Commission on Friday.
Exchange Telecoms, a local and international interconnect carrier, facilitates connections between major mobile network operators (MNOs) in Nigeria and transmits international calls to destinations abroad.
The NCC stated that the disconnection approval aligns with the Nigerian Communications Act 2003 and the 2012 Guidelines for Procedure for Granting Approval to Disconnect Telecommunications Operators.
“The Nigerian Communications Commission hereby notifies the public that approval has been granted for the disconnection of Exchange Telecommunications Limited (Exchange) from MTN Nigeria Communications Limited (MTN) as a result of non-settlement of interconnect charges,” the NCC noted.
The Commission explained that Exchange Telecoms was informed of the application and given an opportunity to respond and state its case.
However, after a thorough review, the NCC determined that Exchange Telecoms lacked sufficient justification for failing to pay the interconnect charges.
The regulator further emphasized its findings, stating, “The Commission, having examined the application and circumstances surrounding the indebtedness, determined that Exchange does not have sufficient reason for non-payment of the interconnect charges.”
The disconnection is to take effect five days from the date of the notice.
After this period, MTN will no longer route voice and data traffic through Exchange Telecoms and will use alternative channels to interconnect with other network service providers.
NCC explained, “The Commission has approved the disconnection of Exchange to MTN in accordance with Section 100 of the Nigerian Communications Act, 2003, and the Guidelines on Procedure for Granting Approval to Disconnect Telecommunications Operators, 2012.”
The regulatory agency also clarified that the disconnection would remain in place until further notice or as determined by the Commission.
