- The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) sanctioned the disconnection of Exchange Telecoms from MTN Nigeria due to unpaid interconnect charges
- Exchange Telecoms failed to provide satisfactory explanations for its inability to pay the charges
- The disconnection to take effect five days from the date of the notice issued by the NCC
Exchange Telecommunications Limited is set to be disconnected from MTN Nigeria Communications Limited after the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) approved action due to unpaid interconnect charges.
In a statement issued on Friday, December 27, Reuben Mouka, the NCC’s Director of Public Affairs, confirmed that Exchange Telecoms could not sufficiently explain why it had failed to pay the charges, after a comprehensive examination of the application and the debt situation.
MTN to discontinue voice, data traffic through Exchange Telecoms
“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,” the statement read.
The commission stated that Exchange was given the chance to respond to the disconnection application and present its case, but its explanations were found to be inadequate.
Approved in accordance with Section 100 of the Nigerian Communications Act 2003 and the 2012 Guidelines for Disconnection Procedures, the disconnection will take effect five days from the date the notice was given.
The commission clarified that the disconnection will stay in effect until further notice.
“Please note that this disconnection will subsist until otherwise determined by the Commission.”
Exchange Telecoms handles largest volume of minutes for Nigeria's MNOs
As per the Exchange Telecoms website, the company operates four Points-Of-Interconnect (POIs) across the country, connected through a fibre ring that ensures operational stability, redundancy, and efficiency.
The company is a key player in handling international calls, being the only provider managing outgoing voice and data traffic from all Mobile Network Operators (MNOs) in Nigeria to destinations worldwide.
Exchange Telecoms is also responsible for managing the highest volume of interconnection minutes for the country’s major MNOs.
With the announced disconnection, MTN Nigeria will be forced to find alternative channels to maintain interconnection with other Network Service Providers.
NCC approves telecom tariff hikes, set to take effect in January 2025
Meanwhile, TheRadar earlier reported that the Nigerian Communications Commission announced telecom tariff increases, set to take effect in January 2025.
New tariffs could see a 40% increase in telecom charges, with calls, SMS, and data bundles all affected.