Breaking: NCC Issues Pre-Disconnection Notice To Telcos Over Interconnect Charges Payment Breach
By Angeline Mgbele, Bureau Chief, Northern Nigeria
Telecommunications sector regulator, the Nigerian Communications Commission(NCC) has notified 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[1]settlement of interconnect charges.
The notice was e-signed by the Director of Public Affairs at NCC, Reuben Muoka, Friday, December 27, 2024.
It reads in part: “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 Commission advises the public that it 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.
The implication of this development, Cyber Era NG gathers, is that at the expiration of 5 (Five) days from today, 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,” NCC said.
