The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) has announced its approval for MTN Nigeria Communications Limited to sever its interconnectivity with Exchange Telecommunications Limited.
This decision, stemming from Exchange’s failure to settle outstanding interconnect charges, was officially communicated in a notice dated December 27, 2024, and signed by the NCC’s Director of Public Affairs, Reuben Muoka.
According to the NCC, the decision followed due process. Exchange Telecommunications was formally notified of MTN’s application for disconnection and granted the opportunity to respond and present its case.
However, after reviewing the situation, the NCC determined that Exchange had no compelling justification for its failure to pay the interconnect charges, leading to this significant regulatory action.
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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.
The NCC emphasized that its decision is in the public interest and aimed at maintaining the integrity of Nigeria’s telecommunications ecosystem.
“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,” the notice explains.
