The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) has granted approval for MTN Nigeria to disconnect Exchange Telecommunications Limited from its network. This decision follows Exchange Telecoms’ failure to settle interconnect charges, according to a public notice issued by the telecom regulator on Friday.
Exchange Telecoms, which facilitates the interconnection of calls and data traffic locally and internationally, will no longer be able to route MTN calls and data traffic to other networks. However, MTN has assured users that it will leverage alternative channels for interconnection after the disconnection takes effect.
The NCC stated that Exchange Telecoms was notified of the disconnection request and given an opportunity to defend its non-payment of interconnect charges. After a thorough review, the Commission determined that Exchange had no valid justification for its indebtedness.
The NCC’s notice, signed by Dr. Reuben Muoka, Director of Public Affairs, read:
“The Commission has approved the disconnection of Exchange to MTN in accordance with Section 100 of the Nigerian Communications Act, 2003, and the Guidelines on Procedure for Granting Approval to Disconnect Telecommunications Operators, 2012.
At the expiration of five (5) 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. This disconnection will subsist until otherwise determined by the Commission.”
The disconnection reflects the NCC’s commitment to maintaining financial discipline within Nigeria’s telecom sector. Operators are expected to settle interconnect charges promptly to ensure seamless service delivery and industry sustainability.
