The Nigerian Communications Commission NCC has approved request by MTN Nigeria Communications Limited MTN to disconnect Exchange Telecommunications Limited Exchange, over its failure to settle long standing interconnect charges despite several entreaties.

In a statement signed by theDirector, Public Affairs, Reuben Muoka, entitled: “Pre-Disconnection Notice”, the Commission said it has however given Exchange a grace period of five days with effect from today, Friday, December 27, 2024 to settle the interconnect charges after which it would be disconnected by MTN Nigeria.

It further stated that NTN Nigeria will discontinue passing voice and data traffic through Exchange and will, thereafter, utilise alternative channels in interconnecting with other Network Service Providers if Exchange fails to meet the five-day deadline

According to the NCC, the pre-disconnection notice was made in line with the provisions of section 100 of the NCC Act, 2003 the Guidelines for the Procedure for granting approval to disconnect telecommunications operators, 2012.

The NCC further argued that Exchange was notified of the application by MTN Nigeria and was also given opportunity to state its side of the case, which it failed to take advantage of.

Thestatement reads in part: “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 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.

“The public is, therefore, requested to take notice that the Commission has approved the disconnection of Exchange to 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.

“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.

“Please note that this disconnection will subsist until otherwise determined by the Commission dated this day, Friday, December 27, 2024.”