NCC Approves Disconnecting Exchange Telecom from MTN

The disconnection of Exchange Telecommunications Ltd. from the MTN Nigeria network has been authorised by the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) because interconnect charges have not been paid.

A public notification by the commission issued by NCC Public Affairs Director Mr Reuben Muoka on Friday, announced 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,” NCC said.

The Exchange was advised of the application and given the chance to react and present its case, the commission observed.

It stated that after reviewing the case and the facts underlying the debt, the commission concluded that the Exchange lacked a good enough justification to refuse to pay the interconnect fees.

NCC stated that the disconnection of Exchange Telecommunications from MTN complied 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 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.

Manomsi Mallum/ NAN