TRAI Launches Major Overhaul of Telecom Interconnection Regulations
The Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) has initiated a comprehensive review of nine key interconnection regulations dating back to 1999. This regulatory overhaul aims to modernize India’s telecom framework to accommodate evolving technologies like 4G/5G networks and satellite communications.
Key Regulations Under Review
- The Telecommunication Interconnection Regulations, 2018
- The Short Message Services (SMS) Termination Charges Regulations, 2013
- Intelligent Network Services in Multi-Operator and Multi-Network Scenario Regulations, 2006
- TRAI (Transit Charges for BSNL’s Cell One Terminating Traffic) Regulations, 2005
- The Telecommunication Interconnection Usage Charges Regulations, 2003
- The Telecommunication Interconnection (Reference Interconnect Offer) Regulations, 2002
- The Telecommunication Interconnection (Charges and Revenue Sharing) Regulations, 2001
- The Telecommunication Interconnection (Port Charges) Regulations, 2001
- The Register of Interconnect Agreements Regulations, 1999
TRAI stated that technological evolution has rendered parts of existing interconnection modalities technically obsolete, necessitating this forward-looking regulatory reassessment.
Focus Areas for Modernization
The review will specifically examine IP-based interconnection requirements for accelerating 4G/5G rollouts and emerging satellite-based telecommunications networks. Key aspects include the nature and location of Points of Interconnect (POIs), particularly those involving satellite earth station gateways.
“The regulatory aspects pertaining to various charges presently applicable during interconnection between service providers, such as interconnection charges, interconnection usage charges and Reference Interconnect Offer (RIO) framework are also being examined through the consultation paper,” the TRAI statement read.
Stakeholder Consultation Timeline
A pre-consultation paper was released on April 3, 2025, to gather initial stakeholder views. The formal consultation paper titled “Review of existing TRAI Regulations on Interconnection matters” is now available on TRAI’s website.
Written comments on the issues are invited from stakeholders by December 8, 2025, with counter-comments due by December 22, 2025.
