Why NCC gave MTN pre-disconnection order – ITREALMS

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Some facts have begun to emerge as to why the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) recently gave a pre-disconnection notice, ITREALMS reports.

According to sources close to NCC, the order was on MTN Nigeria Communications Limited to disconnect the Exchange Telecommunications Limited also known as ‘Exchange’ as a result of interconnection indebtedness.

Throwing more light on the order, the Director, Public Affairs at NCC, Mr. Reuben Muoka, confirmed to ITREALMS that it was on pursuant to the Nigerian Communications Act 2003.

This, he told ITREALMS was in line with the guidelines for procedure for granting approval to disconnect telecommunications operators made in 2012.

Muoka equally said that the NCC has since notified the public that approval has been granted for the disconnection of Exchange Telecommunications Limited from MTN Nigeria Communications Limited 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,” he noted.

As said by Director, Public Affairs, the Commission, therefore, having examined the application and circumstances surrounding the indebtedness, determined that Exchange does not have sufficient reason for non-payment of the interconnect charges.

In a related public statement available to ITREALMS and dated Friday, 27th December, 2024, NCC requested subscribers to take note with part of it stating.

“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," he said.

Chuks Egbune/DoP