The Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (Trai) on Monday proposed an overhaul of the country’s interconnection framework, seeking stakeholder comments on revising nine key regulations that govern how telecom operators connect, exchange traffic, and maintain service quality across networks.
Trai said the move aims to make interconnection rules “relevant, fair and future-ready” as the country transitions to 5G, IP-based communication, and converged digital services. Interconnection serves as the operational backbone of telecom networks, ensuring that users of one operator can seamlessly communicate with another.
As per the regulator, the existing framework primarily caters to traditional voice and circuit-switched networks. With the advent of IP-based systems, over-the-top (OTT) communication platforms, and next-generation network technologies, the regulator said it is necessary to realign interconnection rules with the evolving digital ecosystem.
It seeks to update the definition and scope of interconnection to include new technologies such as IP-based networks, VoIP, 5G, and OTT communication, moving beyond legacy circuit-switched systems. Further, the regulator plans to examine inconsistencies in how Reference Interconnect Offers (RIOs) and interconnection agreements are drafted and implemented, suggesting the need for greater transparency and standardized formats.
It also revisits the existing cost models and interconnection usage charges (IUCs), questioning whether the current cost-based regime should shift towards a more flexible “bill-and-keep” approach. On quality of service, Trai proposes setting uniform parameters for call success, latency, and network congestion to ensure reliability across operators. The regulator further highlights recurring disputes over Points of Interconnection (PoIs) and delayed capacity provisioning, seeking views on introducing stricter timelines, penalties, and enforcement mechanisms.
Emphasizing the need for technology neutrality, Trai aims to make the new rules adaptable to 5G, IoT, and data-driven networks, while also proposing to consolidate nine overlapping interconnection regulations into a single, streamlined framework. Stakeholders have been invited to submit written comments by December 2025, followed by counter-comments and open house discussion before final regulations are issued.