The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) has authorized the disconnection of Exchange Telecommunications Limited from MTN Nigeria due to unpaid interconnect charges.
In a statement on Friday, Reuben Mouka, NCC’s Director of Public Affairs, explained that a thorough review revealed no valid justification for Exchange Telecoms’ failure to settle the debt.
The move aims to uphold regulatory standards and ensure compliance within the telecom sector.
According to the commission, Exchange was allowed to respond to the application for disconnection and present its case, but its explanations were deemed unsatisfactory.
The disconnection, approved under Section 100 of the Nigerian Communications Act 2003 and the 2012 Guidelines for Procedure for Granting Approval to Disconnect Telecommunications Operators, will take effect five days from the date of the notice.
“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, utilize alternative channels in interconnecting with other Network Service Providers.”