Key Points
- Exchange Telecoms faces disconnection over unpaid interconnect charges.
- MTN will reroute traffic through alternative channels post-disconnection.
- The NCC’s decision complies with telecom regulations and guidelines.
Due to unpaid interconnect fees, Exchange Telecommunications Ltd. has been permitted by the Nigerian Communications Commission to be disconnected from MTN Nigeria Communications Ltd.
NCC approves disconnection under regulatory guidelines
In a statement released Friday, the commission’s head of public affairs, Reuben Mouka, claimed that Exchange Telecoms had not adequately explained why it was unable to resolve the charges. According to him, the decision was made after a careful examination of the application and the debt’s conditions.
According to the commission, Exchange was given the chance to reply to the application for disconnection and make its case, but its justifications were found to be inadequate.
As stated by Business day, the disconnection was authorized in accordance with the 2012 Guidelines for Procedure for Granting Approval to Disconnect Telecommunications Operators and Section 100 of the Nigerian Communications Act 2003. Five days after the notice date, it will go into effect.
The commission stated that MTN will stop using Exchange to transmit voice and data traffic after five days have passed from the date of this notification.
After that, it will use other channels to interact with other network service providers. The disconnection will continue till further notice, it was said.
MTN shifts to alternative channels after Exchange disconnection
Exchange Telecoms is the only carrier connecting international calls from all Nigerian mobile network operators to locations across the world, according to the company’s website.
Additionally, Exchange has the most minutes for each of Nigeria’s major mobile network operators.
MTN will connect to other network service providers via alternate channels after the shutdown.
