The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) has granted approval for the disconnection of Exchange Telecommunications Limited (Exchange) from MTN Nigeria Communications Limited (MTN) due to the non-settlement of interconnect charges.

In a public notice issued by the NCC, the regulatory body confirmed that Exchange was notified of MTN’s application for disconnection and given the opportunity to address the matter. However, following a thorough review of the situation, the Commission determined that Exchange lacked sufficient justification for its failure to settle the outstanding charges.

1. APPROVAL GRANTED: The NCC has approved the disconnection in accordance with Section 100 of the Nigerian Communications Act, 2003, and the Guidelines for Procedure for Granting Approval to Disconnect Telecommunications Operators, 2012.
2. EFFECTIVE TIMELINE: The disconnection will take effect five days from the date of the notice (27th December 2024).
3. OPERATIONAL CHANGES: Upon disconnection, MTN will cease routing voice and data traffic through Exchange and will instead use alternative channels for interconnecting with other network service providers.

The notice clarifies that the disconnection will remain in effect until the Commission decides otherwise.

Subscribers who rely on Exchange for interconnection with MTN’s network may experience disruptions in voice and data services once the disconnection is implemented.

The NCC’s decision underscores its commitment to ensuring compliance with financial obligations among telecommunications operators, as outlined in the Nigerian Communications Act and related guidelines.