TRAI Caps IP Interconnection Port Charges at ₹42.3 Lakh for 10 Gbps

New Delhi: The Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) has notified new regulations governing charges for IP-based telecom interconnection ports, with the revised framework coming into effect from January 1, 2027.

Under the Telecommunication Interconnection (Port Charges) (Third Amendment) Regulations, 2026, annual charges will be capped at ₹5.6 lakh for a 1 Gbps IP port and ₹42.3 lakh for a 10 Gbps port.

Telecom operators can mutually agree on lower charges and alternative port capacities, provided the pricing follows the prescribed methodology.

The revised framework applies uniformly to fixed-line, mobile, national long-distance and international long-distance services. Existing charges will continue to govern legacy E1/TDM-based ports.

TRAI has also introduced a graded financial disincentive mechanism, with penalties capped at ₹15 lakh per service area for each instance of specified violations.

The amendments follow consultations with stakeholders, including written submissions and an open house discussion. TRAI said the changes aim to align interconnection rules with technological advancements while ensuring transparency, non-discrimination and fair competition.

The regulations and explanatory memorandum are available on TRAI’s official website.