The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) has announced its approval for the disconnection of Exchange Telecommunications Limited (Exchange) from MTN Nigeria Communications Limited (MTN) due to unpaid interconnect charges.
In a public notice dated Friday, December 27, 2024, the NCC stated that Exchange was previously notified of the application for disconnection and was given an opportunity to respond and present its case. Upon review, the Commission concluded that Exchange had insufficient justification for its non-payment of the charges.
The NCC granted MTN Nigeria permission to disconnect Exchange Telecommunications in accordance with Section 100 of the Nigerian Communications Act, 2003, and the Guidelines for Granting Approval to Disconnect Telecommunications Operators, 2012.
MTN Nigeria will discontinue voice and data traffic through Exchange Telecommunications within five days of the notice. Alternative channels will be used to ensure continuity in interconnectivity with other network service providers.
Additionally, the disconnection will remain in effect until the Commission determines otherwise.
Furthermore, the NCC’s directive underscores its commitment to enforcing compliance within Nigeria’s telecommunications sector. Customers relying on Exchange for interconnection to MTN services may face disruptions until the issue is resolved.
The Commission emphasized the importance of adhering to financial and operational obligations to foster stability in the telecommunications ecosystem.
