TRAI notifies new IP network port fee structure, rules effective from Jan 1, 2027
New Delhi, November 09: The Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) has issued the third amendment regulations to implement the new system of port charges for IP based telecom networks. Under this, the annual maximum charge for an IP port with 1 Gbps capacity has been fixed at Rs 5.6 lakh and for a 10 Gbps port at Rs 42.3 lakh. These provisions will come into effect from January 1, 2027.
The Union Communications Ministry informed that TRAI on Monday issued the ‘Telecommunication Interconnection (Port Charges) (Third Amendment) Regulations, 2026’. Under this, IP based ports have also been included in the fee system along with the existing E1/TDM based interconnection ports. The definition of a port will now include IP ports expressed in Mbps and Gbps, along with the old E1 port with a capacity of 2,048 Mbps.
Under the new regulations, telecom service providers will be able to set tariffs below the mutually agreed maximum limit. They will also be able to set tariffs for IP ports with capacities other than 10 Gbps by mutual agreement, using a transparent and uniform calculation methodology.
IP port tariffs will be uniformly applicable to fixed line, mobile, national long distance, and international long distance services. The previously established tariffs will remain applicable only to E1 ports. There is also a provision for financial penalties of up to ₹1.5 million per service area for violations.
According to TRAI, interconnection between telecom networks allows consumers of different service providers to communicate seamlessly with each other. Interconnection port tariffs were set in the original regulations of 2001, which were last amended in 2012. To bring the system in line with technological changes, TRAI initiated a review process in April 2025.
A consultation paper was issued in November 2025. Seventeen stakeholders provided suggestions, and nine responded with comments. An open discussion followed on January 28th. Based on stakeholder feedback and its own analysis, TRAI has finalized the new amendments.
