The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) has authorized the disconnection of Exchange Telecommunications Limited (Exchange) from MTN Nigeria Communications Limited (MTN) due to unresolved interconnect charges.
In a statement issued by Reuben Muoka, NCC’s Director of Public Affairs, the Commission revealed that Exchange had been notified about the situation and provided an opportunity to respond and present its case. However, after evaluating the matter, the NCC concluded that Exchange lacked sufficient justification for failing to settle the debt.
“The public is hereby notified that the Commission has approved the disconnection of Exchange from MTN in accordance with Section 100 of the Nigerian Communications Act, 2003, and the 2012 Guidelines on Procedure for Granting Approval to Disconnect Telecommunications Operators,” the statement read.
The disconnection process is set to take effect five days from the date of the notice. Following this period, MTN will cease routing voice and data traffic through Exchange, opting instead to utilize alternative channels for interconnection with other network providers.
The NCC clarified that the disconnection would remain in place until further notice or a new decision is issued by the Commission. The regulatory body urged affected stakeholders to take note of the development.
