The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) has approved the disconnection of Exchange Telecommunications Ltd. from MTN Nigeria’s network. This decision was made because Exchange Telecommunications failed to pay interconnect charges it owed MTN Nigeria.

In a public statement released by the NCC, Reuben Muoka, the Public Affairs Director, confirmed that the disconnection would stay in effect until further notice.

Exchange Telecommunications, an interconnect carrier for local and international networks, was given a chance to explain its inability to pay the charges. After reviewing the situation, the NCC concluded that Exchange did not provide a valid reason for failing to settle its debt.

This regulatory action is in line with the Nigerian Communications Act of 2003 and the guidelines established in 2012 for disconnecting telecommunications operators.

The NCC’s notice states that MTN Nigeria will stop routing voice and data traffic through Exchange Telecommunications five days after the announcement. After that, MTN will use other channels to maintain connections with other networks.

The NCC’s decision highlights its commitment to enforcing financial and operational compliance within Nigeria’s telecommunications industry. By taking this action, the commission aims to maintain interconnectivity standards and ensure reliable services for consumers.

This move serves as a strong reminder for telecom operators to meet their obligations and keep the industry running smoothly.