The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) has given its approval to disconnect Exchange Telecommunications Limited (ETL), otherwise known as Exchange, from MTN over unpaid interconnect charges.
The telecom regulatory agency stated this in a public notice by its Director of Public Affairs, Reuben Muoka, dated Friday, 27 December, 2024 to notify the public of the decision.
The Commission however gave Exchange a five-day grace from the date of the notice to effect the payment, at the expiration of which it stated that MTN will discontinue passing voice and data traffic through Exchange.
It added that MTN will rather, utilise other alternative channels in interconnecting with other network service providers.
The NCC stated that the approval was made “pursuant to the Nigerian Communications Act 2003 and the Guidelines for Procedure for Granting Approval to Disconnect Telecommunications Operators, 2012”.
It stated that Exchange Telecommunications Limited was notified of an application for disconnection and was given the opportunity to comment and state its case.
NCC added that it examined the application and circumstances surrounding the indebtedness, noting that Exchange does not have sufficient reason for non-payment of the interconnect charges.
“The Nigerian Communications Commission hereby notifies the public that approval has been granted for the disconnection of Exchange Telecommunications Limited (Exchange) from MTN Nigeria Communications Limited (MTN) as a result of non-settlement of interconnect charges.
“Exchange was notified of the application and was given opportunity to comment and state its case.
“The Commission, having examined the application and circumstances surrounding the indebtedness, determined that Exchange does not have sufficient reason for non-payment of the interconnect charges,” it was stated in the public notice.
NCC therefore urged the public to take note that it has approved “the disconnection of Exchange to MTN in accordance with Section 100 of the Nigerian Communications Act, 2003 and the Guidelines on Procedure for Granting Approval Telecommunications Operators, 2012.
“At the expiration of 5 (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.”
NCC also stated in the public notice that the disconnection of Exchange Telecommunications Limited from MTN will subsist until otherwise determined by the Commission.
