The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) has given
approval to MTN Nigeria’s network to disconnect Exchange Telecommunications Ltd. from its network due to its failure to settle interconnect charges.

This decision was announced in a public notice signed by Reuben Muoka, NCC’s Director of Public Affairs, on Friday, December 27, 2024.
The disconnection notice states this: “The Nigerian Communications Commission hereby notifies the public that approval has been granted for the disconnection of Exchange Telecommunications Ltd. (Exchange) from MTN Nigeria Communications Ltd. (MTN) as a result of non-settlement of interconnect charges”.

“At the expiration of 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.

“Please note that this disconnection will subsist until otherwise determined by the commission,” it said

The commission noted that the Exchange was notified of the application and was given opportunity to comment and state its case.

NCC said the disconnection of the Exchange Telecommunications to MTN was in accordance with Section 100 of the Nigerian Communications Act, 2003 and the Guidelines on Procedure for Granting Approval to Disconnect Telecommunications Operators, 2012.

It said that the commission, having examined the application and circumstances surrounding the indebtedness, determined that the Exchange does not have sufficient reason for non-payment of the interconnect charges.