The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) has approved the disconnection of Exchange Telecommunications Limited (Exchange) from the MTN Nigeria network due to persistent non-payment of interconnect charges. The disconnection, authorized under Section 100 of the Nigerian Communications Act 2003 and the 2012 Guidelines for Disconnecting Telecom Operators, will take effect in five days from today’s date.
Interconnect fees are charges paid by one telecommunications operator to another for connecting calls or data traffic across their networks. The NCC’s action underscores its commitment to enforcing financial obligations within the industry and ensuring a level playing field for operators.
According to a public notice released by the NCC and signed by its Director of Public Affairs, Reuben Muoka, Exchange was duly notified of MTN’s application for disconnection and was provided with an opportunity to present its case. However, after a thorough review of the application and the circumstances surrounding the outstanding debt, the Commission concluded that Exchange’s reasons for non-payment were insufficient.
