TRAI mandates shift to IP-based telecom interconnection by 2030
India’s telecom regulator has ordered operators to migrate to IP-based network interconnections and consolidate service areas over a three-year transition period.
The Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) has issued new regulations requiring telecom operators to modernize their network interconnection infrastructure. Starting January 1, 2027, all new interconnection points must utilize IP-based technology, with a three-year deadline for existing TDM-based connections to be phased out.
Under the new mandate, traffic routing will shift from current fragmented charging areas to broader Licensed Service Areas (LSA). The regulator expects this transition to improve bandwidth efficiency and call quality while simplifying network management. Companies are now required to report their progress on this migration, with financial penalties introduced for non-compliance.
These amendments follow extensive consultations aimed at supporting 5G, 6G, and satellite communications. By standardizing interconnection protocols, TRAI seeks to reduce historical bottlenecks and disputes between major operators, fostering a more equitable competitive environment.