TRAI announces Interconnect Agreements Regulations 2026

The Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) has announced 'The Register of Interconnect Agreements (Fourth Amendment) Regulations, 2026'. These new rules will come into effect from 1 January 2027. The primary objective of these amendments is to modernise the framework for the registration and maintenance of interconnect agreements.

Interconnection in telecommunications refers to the commercial and technical arrangements that connect two or more telecommunication networks to each other. Through this arrangement, the exchange of telecommunication traffic between different networks becomes possible, enabling users of different service providers to communicate with each other easily. The Register of Interconnect Agreements Regulations, 1999 provides the regulatory framework for the registration of such agreements between service providers.

According to a report from PIB Ahmedabad, sub-clauses (vii) and (viii) of Section 11(1)(b) of the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India Act, 1997, empower TRAI to maintain a register of interconnect agreements. Additionally, upon payment of prescribed fees and fulfillment of other requirements, TRAI also has the authority to make this register available for public inspection.

The process of reviewing this regulatory framework was initiated on 03.04.2025 through a pre-consultation paper on 'Review of current TRAI Regulations on Interconnection matters'. The aim of this process was to ensure relevant, transparent, and efficient interconnection between service providers. Through this paper, comments were sought from stakeholders for the review of the Register of Interconnect Agreements Regulations, 1999.

Subsequently, a consultation paper was issued on 10.11.2025. During this process, the last date for submitting written comments was fixed as 15.12.2025 and 29.12.2025 was set for responses to comments. During this period, 17 stakeholders submitted their comments and 9 stakeholders provided responses. As part of the consultation process, an Open House Discussion (OHD) was also held on 28.01.2026. After analysis of the stakeholders' inputs, these amendments have been finalised.

The new amended rules will modernise the administrative framework through the digitalisation of registration, submission, and access processes. Regulatory oversight and compliance will be facilitated by provisions related to timely information submission and graded financial disincentives. This will increase administrative efficiency, transparency, and regulatory certainty. The full text of these regulations is available on the TRAI website. For more information, Advisor Shri Samir Gupta may be contacted.