Interconnect Debt: NCC Gives MTN Approval to Disconnect Exchange Telecommunications Limited

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

Exchange Telecommunications is a local and international interconnect carrier.

In a statement by Reuben Muoka, NCC director of public affairs, on Friday, NCC said Exchange Telecommunications does not have sufficient reason for non-payment of the interconnect charges.

“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 nonsettlement of interconnect charges,” NCC said.

“Exchange was notified of the application and was given 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.”

NCC said the disconnection of Exchange Telecommunications to MTN is 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 5 (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 commission said.

NCC said the disconnection will subsist until otherwise determined by the commission.

Exchange Telecommunications Limited is a local and international interconnect carrier (IIC). An IIC is a company that connects networks and equipment from different service providers to allow customers to communicate with each other.

Being the largest in Nigeria, Exchange Telecommunications has four Points-Of-Interconnect nationwide. These are connected via a fibre ring to ensure redundancy, stability and efficiency. The company operate under Interconnect Exchange and International Data Access license categories.