The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) has approved the disconnection of Exchange Telecommunications Ltd. from MTN Nigeria’s network over the non-settlement of interconnect charges.
In a public notice issued Friday and signed by the NCC’s Public Affairs Director, Reuben Muoka, the commission explained that the action would remain in effect until further notice.
“The Nigerian Communications Commission hereby notifies the public that approval has been granted for the disconnection of Exchange Telecommunications Ltd. (Exchange) from MTN Nigeria Communications Ltd. (MTN) as a result of non-settlement of interconnect charges,” the statement read.
Exchange Telecommunications Faces Regulatory Action
Exchange Telecommunications, a local and international interconnect carrier, was informed of the application and given an opportunity to present its case. However, after reviewing the circumstances and the company’s explanations, the NCC determined that Exchange failed to provide sufficient justification for its inability to pay the charges.
The disconnection aligns with Section 100 of the Nigerian Communications Act, 2003 and the Guidelines on Procedure for Granting Approval to Disconnect Telecommunications Operators, 2012.
Timeline for Disconnection
The NCC announced that MTN Nigeria would cease routing voice and data traffic through Exchange Telecommunications five days from the date of the notice.
“At the expiration of five days from the date of this notice, MTN will discontinue passing voice and data traffic through Exchange and will, thereafter, utilise alternative channels in interconnecting with other network service providers,” the NCC stated.
Regulatory Oversight
This decision underscores the NCC’s commitment to ensuring compliance with financial and operational obligations in Nigeria’s telecommunications industry. It also highlights the commission’s enforcement of interconnectivity standards to maintain seamless service for consumers.
