By Newsshelve Correspondent.
In a move aimed at promoting financial accountability and compliance within the telecommunications sector, the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) has approved the disconnection of Exchange Telecommunications Limited (Exchange) from MTN Nigeria Communications Limited (MTN) due to unpaid interconnect charges.
According to a public notice issued by the NCC on Friday, December 27, 2024, Exchange was notified of the application for disconnection and given the opportunity to comment and state its case.
However, after examining the application and circumstances surrounding the indebtedness, the Commission determined that Exchange does not have sufficient reason for non-payment of the interconnect charges.
The disconnection, which is in accordance with Section 100 of the Nigerian Communications Act 2003 and the Guidelines on Procedure for Granting Approval to Disconnect Telecommunications Operators, 2012, will take effect five days from the date of the notice.
At the expiration of this period, MTN will discontinue passing voice and data traffic through Exchange and will utilize alternative channels in interconnecting with other Network Service Providers.
Exchange Telecommunications Limited is a local and international interconnect carrier, and the largest in Nigeria, with four Points-Of-Interconnect nationwide connected via a fibre ring to ensure redundancy, stability, and efficiency.
The company is also connected to the major Mobile Network Operators (MNOs) in Nigeria and carries the most minutes for each of them.
In a statement, Reuben Muoka, Director of Public Affairs at the NCC, emphasized the Commission’s commitment to promoting financial accountability and compliance within the telecommunications sector.
“The NCC is committed to ensuring that all telecommunications operators comply with the relevant regulations and guidelines,” he said.
The NCC’s decision to approve the disconnection of Exchange from MTN is seen as a significant move to promote financial accountability and compliance within the telecommunications sector.
The Commission has emphasized that the disconnection will remain in place until further notice, and has encouraged industry stakeholders and telecom users to remain informed about the potential impact of this development.
The disconnection is expected to have significant implications for Exchange Telecommunications Limited, as it will no longer be able to pass voice and data traffic through MTN.
The company will need to explore alternative channels for interconnecting with other Network Service Providers.
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