New Delhi, 09 November (H.S.): The Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) has issued the Third Amendment to the Telecommunication Interconnection (Port Charges) Regulations, introducing a revised framework for port charges applicable to IP-based telecommunications networks. Under the new provisions, the annual maximum charge for a 1 Gbps IP port has been fixed at Rs. 5.6 lakh, while that for a 10 Gbps port has been set at Rs. 42.3 lakh. The revised provisions will come into effect on January 1, 2027.

According to the Union Ministry of Communications, TRAI issued the Telecommunication Interconnection (Port Charges) (Third Amendment) Regulations, 2026, on Monday. The amendment brings IP-based ports within the existing framework governing E1/TDM-based interconnection ports. Accordingly, the definition of a port will now cover not only legacy E1 ports with a capacity of 2.048 Mbps but also IP ports whose capacities are expressed in Mbps and Gbps.

Under the revised regulations, telecom service providers will be permitted to mutually agree on charges below the prescribed ceiling. They may also determine charges by mutual agreement for IP ports with capacities other than 1 Gbps and 10 Gbps. Such arrangements, however, must follow a transparent and uniform methodology for calculating the applicable charges.

The IP port charges will apply uniformly to fixed-line, mobile, national long-distance and international long-distance services. The charges prescribed under the existing framework will continue to apply exclusively to E1 ports. The regulations also provide for a financial penalty of up to Rs. 15 lakh per service area for each instance of non-compliance.

According to TRAI, interconnection between telecommunications networks enables subscribers of different service providers to communicate with one another seamlessly. The original regulations governing interconnection port charges were introduced in 2001, with the last amendment made in 2012. In view of technological advancements and the need to update the regulatory framework, TRAI initiated a review of the provisions in April 2025.

A consultation paper on the issue was subsequently released in November 2025, inviting views from stakeholders. As many as 17 stakeholders submitted their comments, while nine filed counter-comments. An open house discussion was held on January 28. Following an assessment of the feedback received and its own analysis, TRAI finalised the latest amendment to the regulations.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar