The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) has approved the disconnection of Exchange Telecommunications Ltd. from the MTN Nigeria network due to the non-settlement of interconnect charges.

The commission made this known on Friday in a public notice signed by its Public Affairs Director, Mr. Reuben Muoka.

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

The commission noted that the Exchange was notified of the application and was given the opportunity to comment and state its case.

It said that the commission, having examined the application and circumstances surrounding the indebtedness, determined that the Exchange does not have sufficient reason for non-payment of the interconnect charges.

NCC said the disconnection of the Exchange Telecommunications to MTN was 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.

“Please note that this disconnection will subsist until otherwise determined by the commission,” it said.

Exchange telecommunication limited

Exchange Telecommunications Limited is a local and international interconnect carrier. The largest in Nigeria, it has four Points-Of-Interconnect nationwide connected via a fibre ring to ensure redundancy, stability, and efficiency.

It was created in 2001 and awarded the Interconnect Exchange license. Under new management in 2015, Exchange Telecoms resumed operations on the 14th of February 2015 and became the largest clearing house in Nigeria within 18 months.

In 2016, Exchange Telecoms was awarded the IDA license and opened a presence in Telehouse, London. We have since become the preferred third-party carrier for Nigerian destinations.