By Miriam Humbe
Following its failure to settle long standing interconnect charges despite several entreaties, the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) has approved the request by MTN Nigeria Communications Limited, to disconnect Exchange Telecommunications Limited.
This was contained n a statement signed by NCC’s Director, Public Affairs, Reuben Muoka, titled: “Pre-Disconnection Notice”.
NCC said 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 Commission said it had given Exchange a grace period of five days with effect from Friday, December 27, 2024 to settle the interconnect charges after which it would be disconnected by MTN Nigeria.
NCC further said that NTN Nigeria would discontinue passing voice and data traffic through Exchange and will thereafter, utilise alternative channels in interconnecting with other Network Service Providers in the event that Exchange failed to meet the five-day deadline.
The NCC further said 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.
The Statement Reads:
“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.”
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