TRAI moves registration of telecom interconnect agreements to an online portal

On 6 November 2026, the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India released the fourth amendment to its interconnect register regulations in New Delhi. The amendment takes effect on 1 January 2027. Providers will register agreements and subsequent changes through the regulator’s portal using electronic documents whose text can be searched. This replaces the old filing method that called for printed copies and an electronic copy on a diskette. Agreements already in force on the start date must be filed within 15 days of that date. For an agreement made or changed later, the filing period runs from execution or modification.

The portal will also handle requests to inspect the register and obtain copies or extracts of material available under the rules. Physical access remains available. The regulator may prescribe formats and time limits for submitting information broken down into specified categories. The amendment also sets out different levels of financial disincentives for breaches.

Facts to remember

• Rules released on 6 November 2026; commencement on 1 January 2027.
• Service providers must use PDFs with searchable text; the registration period is 15 days from the applicable trigger.
• Inspection costs ₹1,500 for an hour or part of an hour; copies and extracts cost ₹500 per page.
• Section 11(1)(b)(vii) and (viii) of the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India Act, 1997 cover the register and public inspection.

Background

Interconnection allows traffic to pass between different telecom networks. The 1999 regulations created the framework for registering agreements between providers. Under the 1997 Act, the regulator maintains the register and permits public inspection subject to fees and other prescribed conditions.

Why it matters for exams

For CLAT Polity and UGC-NET Law administrative law, review how delegated regulations set procedures for carrying out a duty created by statute.