The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) has authorized the termination of Exchange Telecommunications Limited from the MTN Nigeria network due to unpaid interconnect payments.
According to the NCC, Exchange Telecommunications, a local and international interconnect provider, had acceptable justification for failing to satisfy its financial commitments.
The decision was confirmed in a statement made on Friday, December 27, by Reuben Muoka, NCC’s director of public affairs.
“The Nigerian Communications Commission hereby notifies the public that approval has been granted for the disconnection of Exchange Telecommunications Limited (Exchange) from MTN Nigeria Communications Limited (MTN) as a result of non-settlement of interconnect charges,” the statement read.
“Exchange was notified of the application and was given an 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 explained that the disconnection complies with the Guidelines on Procedure for Granting Approval to Disconnect Telecommunications Operators, 2012, as well as Section 100 of the Nigerian Communications Act, 2003.
“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,” the NCC stated.
The commission also stated that the disconnection would not be lifted unless the NCC decided differently.
