The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) has sanctioned Exchange Telecommunications Limited (Exchange) by approving its disconnection from MTN Nigeria Communications Plc due to unsettled interconnect charges.
The decision was announced in a pre-disconnection notice issued on Friday, December 27, 2024, by Mr. Reuben Muoka, the NCC’s Director of Public Affairs. The move is in line with the Nigerian Communications Act 2003 and the Guidelines for Procedure for Granting Approval to Disconnect Telecommunications Operators, 2012.
According to the NCC, Exchange was informed of the application for disconnection and given an opportunity to respond. However, following a thorough review, the Commission found Exchange’s reasons for non-payment inadequate.
“The Commission has approved the disconnection of Exchange from 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,” said Muoka in the notice.
The disconnection will take effect five days from the notice’s publication. As a result, MTN will stop routing voice and data traffic through Exchange and will use alternative channels for interconnection with other network providers.
The NCC clarified that this disconnection would remain in effect until the Commission decides otherwise. The regulatory body reaffirmed its commitment to ensuring accountability and adherence to financial obligations within the telecommunications sector, emphasizing the importance of maintaining a fair and sustainable industry.
