NCC approves disconnection of Exchange Telecom from MTN over debt

The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) has authorised the disconnection of Exchange Telecommunications Limited from MTN Nigeria following the company’s failure to settle interconnect charges.

In a statement released on December 27, 2024, Reuben Muoka, NCC’s Director of Public Affairs, confirmed that the approval was granted after Exchange Telecommunications was found to have insufficient reasons for not paying the outstanding charges.

“The Nigerian Communications Commission hereby notifies the public that approval has been granted for the disconnection of Exchange Telecommunications Limited (Exchange) from MTN Nigeria Communications Limited (MTN) as a result of non-settlement of interconnect charges,” Muoka said.

He noted that Exchange had been allowed to respond to the application but failed to present a valid justification for the non-payment.

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“Exchange was notified of the application and was allowed to comment and state its case. The Commission, having examined the application and circumstances surrounding the indebtedness, determined that Exchange does not have sufficient reason for non-payment of the interconnect charges,” it added.

The disconnection, in accordance with Section 100 of the Nigerian Communications Act, 2003, is set to take effect in five days.

Consequently, MTN will stop passing voice and data traffic through Exchange Telecommunications and seek an alternative for interconnection with other network service providers.

“The disconnection will subsist until otherwise determined by the commission,” the NCC said.