NCC approves disconnection of Exchange Telecom from MTN over interconnect dues

Joy Agwunobi

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

Reuben Muoka, Director, Public Affairs of the NCC,  in a statement released on Friday, disclosed that Exchange’s failure to settle outstanding financial obligations prompted the action.

In the notice, the commission explained that Exchange had been notified of the application for disconnection and given an opportunity to respond. After reviewing the circumstances surrounding the indebtedness, the NCC determined that Exchange had no sufficient reason for failing to settle the charges.

According to the NCC, the disconnection will take effect five days from the issuance of the notice, after which MTN will cease routing voice and data traffic through Exchange. The public has been informed that MTN will utilise alternative channels for interconnection with other network service providers until the Commission decides otherwise.

The statement read in parts “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.”

“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. 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.”