NCC Directs MTN To Disconnect Exchange Telecoms Ltd Over Unpaid Debt
2 years ago 2 min read
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The Nigerian Communications Commission has granted approval to MTN Nigeria to disconnect Exchange Telecommunications Limited (Exchange Telecoms).
The decision follows unpaid debt due to MTN, NCC said in a statement issued on Friday.
Exchange Telecoms is a local and international interconnect carrier in Nigeria. They are connected to the major mobile network operators (MNOs) in Nigeria and transit international calls to destinations abroad.
The regulator said the decision to approve the disconnection was in pursuant of the Nigerian Communications Act 2003 and Guidelines for Procedure for Granting Approval to Disconnect Telecommunications Operators, 2012.
It said, “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.
“Exchange was notified of the application and was given opportunity 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.”
NCC said that based on the outcome of its investigation, it has approved the disconnection of Exchange to MTN.
The NCC said, “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 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.”
The regulator also noted that the disconnection would subsist until otherwise determined by the agency.
