Pre-Consultation Paper on Review of existing TRAI Regulations on Interconnection matters

Consultation Paper No. 02/2025 भारतीय दरू संचार विनियामक प्राधिकरण Telecom Regulatory Authority of India Pre-Consultation Paper on Review of existing TRAI Regulations on Interconnection matters New Delhi, India 03.04.2025 Tower F, NBCC World Trade Centre, Nauroji Nagar, New Delhi-110029 iWritten inputs/ comments on the Pre-Consultation Paper titled ‘Review of existing TRAI Regulations on Interconnection matters’ are invited from stakeholders by 16.04.2025. The inputs/ comments may be sent, preferably in electronic form, to Shri Sameer Gupta, Advisor (Networks, Spectrum and Licensing-I), TRAI on the email ID adv-nsl1@trai.gov.in, which will be posted on the TRAI’s website (www.trai.gov.in). For any clarification/ information, Shri Sameer Gupta, Advisor (Networks, Spectrum and Licensing-I), TRAI, may be contacted at Telephone No. +91- 11-20907752. iiPre-consultation Paper on “Review of existing TRAI Regulations on Interconnection matters” 1. As per Section 11(1)(b) of the TRAI Act, 1997, the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) has to inter-alia discharge the following functions: "(iii) ensure technical compatibility and effective interconnection between different service providers;" Accordingly, the Authority is contemplating reviewing the existing interconnection regulations to ensure their continued relevance and effectiveness in the evolving telecom landscape. 2. The proposed review will require a thorough analysis and careful consideration of key objectives, including fostering interconnection, enhancing competition, promoting non-discriminatory practices, ensuring long-term sustainability and viability of the telecom sector. Completing this exercise can only be achieved through close cooperation among all stakeholders. Therefore, to facilitate this review, the Authority invites all stakeholders to participate in the pre- consultation process by submitting the issues, concerns and suggestions pertaining to the existing interconnection regulations to develop a futuristic and robust regulatory framework for interconnection. 3. While submitting inputs, stakeholders may consider review of relevant interconnection-related regulations, including, but not limited to the following regulations: a) The Telecommunication Interconnection Regulations, 2018 b) The Short Message Services (SMS) Termination Charges Regulations, 2013 c) Intelligent Network Services in Multi-Operator and Multi-Network Scenario Regulations, 2006 d) TRAI (Transit Charges for BSNL's Cell One Terminating Traffic) Regulation, 2005 1e) The Telecommunication Interconnection Usage Charges Regulation, 2003 f) The Telecommunication Interconnection (Reference Interconnect Offer) Regulation, 2002 g) The Telecommunication Interconnection (Charges and Revenue Sharing) Regulation, 2001 h) The Telecommunication Interconnection (Port Charges) Regulation, 2001 i) The Register of Interconnect Agreements Regulation, 1999 4. The Authority encourages all stakeholders to focus on, but not limited to the following aspects: a) Efficacy of existing interconnection frameworks in the current telecom ecosystem. b) Challenges faced by service providers in implementing interconnection. c) Impact of emerging technologies on interconnection requirements. d) Best practices from global interconnection frameworks for possible adoption in India. e) Role of interconnection in improving consumer experience and network efficiency. 5. Inputs/ Comments received from stakeholders would be analysed and examined to prepare a consultation paper on the subject. 2