The Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI), on November 9, 2026 issued Telecommunication Interconnection (Port Charges) (Third Amendment) Regulations, 2026, announced through Press Release No. 157/2026, has amended the existing regulatory framework governing port charges under the Telecommunication Interconnection (Port Charges) Regulation, 2001. The amendment introduces provisions for IP-based interconnection ports in addition to the existing framework for E1/TDM-based interconnection.
The amendment revises the definition of “Port” to include both E1 ports (2.048 Mbps) and IP ports, with bandwidth expressed in Mbps or Gbps. It prescribes annual ceiling charges of ₹5.6 lakh per 1 Gbps IP port and ₹42.3 lakh per 10 Gbps IP port. Interconnection providers and seekers may mutually agree to lower charges and other IP-port capacities, provided charges are determined transparently using the prescribed methodology. IP-port charges will apply uniformly across fixed-line, mobile, national long-distance and international long-distance services, while the existing charges will continue to apply to E1 ports. A graded financial disincentive framework, with a ceiling of ₹15 lakh per Service Area for each instance of contravention, has also been introduced for specified violations.
The amendments will come into effect from January 1, 2027. Telecom service providers should review their existing interconnection arrangements, assess applicable IP-port charges and ensure compliance with the revised charging methodology and regulatory requirements.
[TRAI Press Release No. 157/2026]
