NCC Approves MTN Disconnection Over Unpaid Charges

By: Olufemi Orunsola

The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) has approved the disconnection of Exchange Telecommunications Limited from MTN Nigeria’s network over the non-settlement of interconnect charges.

OPEN TELEVISION NAIJA (OTN) News gathered from a public notice issued over the weekend, and signed by the Commision's Public Affairs Director, Reuben Muoka, that the commission's action remain takes immediate effect and would remain until further notice.

The statement reads, “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.

Exchange Telecommunications, a local and international interconnect carrier, was informed of the application and given an opportunity to present its case.

However, after reviewing the circumstances and the company’s explanations, the NCC determined that Exchange failed to provide sufficient justification for its inability to pay the charges.

The Telecommunications industry regulatory body made it known that the disconnection aligns with Section 100 of the Nigerian Communications Act, 2003 and the Guidelines on Procedure for Granting Approval to Disconnect Telecommunications Operators, 2012.

Furthermore, the NCC announced that MTN Nigeria would cease routing voice and data traffic through Exchange Telecommunications five days from the date of the notice.

“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,” the NCC revealed.

Meanwhile, OTN News reports that the disconnection decision underscores the NCC’s commitment to ensuring compliance with financial and operational obligations in Nigeria’s telecommunications industry.

 The devision also highlights the commission’s enforcement of interconnectivity standards to maintain seamless service for consumers.