The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) has notified the public about the planned disconnection of Exchange Telecommunications Limited (Exchange) from MTN Nigeria Communications Limited (MTN) due to the non-settlement of interconnect charges.
According to the website of Exchange Telecoms, the company is the only carrier currently transiting international calls originating from all the Mobile Network Operators (MNO) networks in Nigeria to A-Z destinations abroad.
Exchange is also connected to the major MNOs in Nigeria and carries the most minutes for each of them.
With the disconnection of services between the two telecom giants, MTN will utilize alternative channels in interconnecting with other Network Service Providers.
A statement signed by the Director, Public Affairs of the NCC, Reuben Mouka, said the Commission has approved the disconnection of Exchange from 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.
“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 the 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.
“At the expiration of five (5) days from the date of this notice, MTN will discontinue passing voice and data traffic through Exchange and will, thereafter, utilize alternative channels in interconnecting with other Network Service Providers.
“Please note that this disconnection will subsist until otherwise determined by the Commission,” the statement added.
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