The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) has granted approval for the disconnection of Exchange Telecommunications Limited from MTN Nigeria Communications Limited due to non-payment of interconnect charges.
In a statement signed by Reuben Muoka, NCC’s Director of Public Affairs, the Commission disclosed that Exchange Telecommunications had been notified of the application for disconnection and given the opportunity to respond and state its case. However, after examining the circumstances, the NCC determined that Exchange did not provide sufficient justification for failing to settle its interconnect charges.
“The public is, therefore, requested to take notice that: The Commission 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 to Disconnect Telecommunications Operators, 2012,” the statement read.
The NCC further stated that the disconnection process would commence after a five-day notice period, during which MTN will cease routing voice and data traffic through Exchange.
“At the expiration of five (5) 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,” the statement added.
“Please note that this disconnection will subsist until otherwise determined by the Commission.”