TRAI revises telecom interconnection rules, effective Jan 2027

TRAI released the Telecommunication Interconnection (Third Amendment) Regulations, 2026, effective January 1, 2027. Key changes include shifting traffic exchange to Licensed Service Area level, mandatory IP-based interconnections for all new links, migration of existing TDM systems within three years, voluntary POI surrender framework, extended bank guarantee validity, and financial penalties for non-compliance.