The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) has approved the disconnection of Exchange Telecommunications Limited (Exchange) by MTN Nigeria due to unpaid interconnect charges. This decision, announced in a statement by the NCC’s Director of Public Affairs, Reuben Muoka, underscores the regulator’s commitment to ensuring financial accountability within the telecommunications sector.
The NCC revealed that Exchange had been notified of MTN’s application for disconnection and was given the opportunity to address the issue. However, after reviewing the circumstances, the Commission concluded that Exchange lacked sufficient justification for its non-payment of interconnect debts.
“Approval has been granted for the disconnection of Exchange Telecommunications Limited from MTN Nigeria Communications Limited in accordance with Section 100 of the Nigerian Communications Act, 2003, and the Guidelines on Procedure for Granting Approval to Disconnect Telecommunications Operators, 2012,” the NCC stated.
The disconnection is set to take effect five days from the public notice date. Following this, MTN will cease routing voice and data traffic through Exchange and will use alternative channels to interconnect with other network providers. The disconnection will remain in effect until further notice from the NCC.
Exchange Telecommunications Limited, established in 2001, operates as a major interconnect carrier, facilitating local and international communication through its four nationwide Points-of-Interconnect. Despite its pivotal role in Nigeria’s telecommunications landscape, this development marks a significant setback for the company, which had emerged as a leading clearing house in Nigeria within 18 months of resuming operations under new management in 2015.
The NCC’s approval aligns with its regulatory mandate to maintain order and financial discipline in the telecom industry. The move aims to protect the interests of other telecom operators and ensure the stability of interconnect services.
While Exchange Telecom has not publicly commented on the disconnection, stakeholders within the industry are closely watching the outcome, as it could set a precedent for handling interconnect debt disputes in Nigeria’s evolving telecommunications sector.
