Telecom sector regulator, the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) has granted approval to MTN Nigeria to disconnect Exchange Telecommunications Limited (Exchange) over unpaid interconnect debts.

According to information sourced from its website, Exchange Telecommunications Limited is a local and international interconnect Carrier. The largest in Nigeria, it has four Points-Of-Interconnect nationwide connected via a fibre ring to ensure redundancy, stability and efficiency.

“We are licensed by the National Communications Commission, Nigeria and operate under two licenses: Interconnect Exchange International Data Access,” the company explained.

The NCC, in a statement endorsed by its Director, Public Affairs, Reuben Muoka, explained: “The NCC 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: 1. 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; 2. 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.”

Exchange Telecommunications Limited was created in 2001 and awarded the Interconnect Exchange license. Under new management in 2015, Exchange Telecoms resumed operations on the 14th of February 2015 and became the largest clearing house in Nigeria within 18 months. In 2016, Exchange Telecoms was awarded the IDA license and opened a presence in Telehouse, London. We have since become the preferred third party carrier for Nigeria destinations.