NCC APPROVES DISCONNECTION OF EXCHANGE TELECOMMUNICATIONS LIMITED FROM MTN NIGERIA

By Zainab Bakare

The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), has approved the disconnection of Exchange Telecommunications Limited (Exchange) from MTN Nigeria Communications Limited (MTN) due to the non-payment of interconnect charges.

In a statement issued by the NCC’s Director of Public Affairs, Reuben Muoka, the Commission says the Exchange was notified from MTN’s application, given the opportunity to respond and present its case.

It notes that a thorough review of the situation, including the circumstances surrounding Exchange’s indebtedness, the Commission concludes that there is no valid justification for the non-payment of the interconnect charges.

Key Notices for the Public includes:

1. Disconnection Approval: The NCC has approved the disconnection of Exchange from MTN in compliance with Section 100 of the Nigerian Communications Act, 2003, and the Guidelines on Procedure for Granting Approval to Disconnect Telecommunications Operators, 2012.

2. Effective Timeline: The disconnection will take effect five (5) days from the date of this notice. At that time, MTN will cease routing voice and data traffic through Exchange and will use alternative channels to interconnect with other network service providers.

3. Duration of Disconnection: This disconnection will remain in place until otherwise directed by the NCC.

Meanwhile the NCC says it remains committed to ensuring compliance with regulatory obligations and maintaining the stability of Nigeria’s telecommunications sector.