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NCC Approves MTN Disconnection from Exchange Telecommunications Over Unpaid Charges

Published by Tope Fakinlede on December 28th, 2024.

NCC Approves MTN Disconnection from Exchange Telecommunications Over Unpaid Charges

Abuja, Nigeria — The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) has granted approval for the disconnection of Exchange Telecommunications Ltd. from MTN Nigeria’s network due to unpaid interconnection charges.

A public notice issued on Friday, signed by Reuben Muoka, the NCC’s Public Affairs Director, stated that the disconnection would remain in effect until further notice.

“The Nigerian Communications Commission announces that it has authorized the disconnection of Exchange Telecommunications Ltd. (Exchange) from MTN Nigeria Communications Ltd. (MTN) following the company’s failure to settle interconnection fees,” the notice read.

Exchange Telecommunications Faces Penalties for Non-Payment

Exchange Telecommunications, a key interconnect carrier both locally and internationally, was notified of the action and was given the opportunity to present its defense. After considering the company’s response, the NCC concluded that Exchange had not provided adequate justification for its failure to pay the outstanding charges.

This decision is in line with Section 100 of the Nigerian Communications Act of 2003 and the 2012 Guidelines for the Disconnection of Telecommunications Operators.

Disconnection Timeline

The NCC confirmed that MTN Nigeria would stop routing both voice and data traffic through Exchange Telecommunications five days from the date of the notice. “After this five-day period, MTN will cease using Exchange to route voice and data traffic and will instead use alternative interconnection methods,” the commission stated.

Regulatory Enforcement

The move highlights the NCC’s ongoing efforts to enforce compliance with financial obligations and interconnection standards in Nigeria’s telecommunications sector. The commission continues to ensure that service providers meet their operational responsibilities to maintain reliable services for consumers.