TRAI mandates migration to IP-based telecom interconnection within three years
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What happened
TRAI issued a regulation requiring telecom operators to move to IP-based interconnection within three years and replace existing SDCA and LDCA interconnection arrangements with interconnection at the LSA level.
Why it matters
The order changes the technical and regulatory basis on which telecom operators exchange traffic in India. It can alter network investment plans, legacy switching timelines, inter-operator coordination, and the compliance workload for carriers and equipment vendors.
The Telecom Regulatory Authority of India on November 4 mandated a transition from legacy telecom interconnection arrangements to IP-based interconnection over a three-year period. The order shifts interconnection from SDCA and LDCA levels to the Licensed Service Area level, with the stated aim of simplifying routing. The move sets a formal regulatory direction for network modernization and creates near-term implementation questions for telecom operators on capex, interoperability, and migration sequencing.
Watch for
TRAI publication of the detailed order text or explanatory memorandum specifying migration milestones after 2026-11-05 Department of Telecommunications clarification on LSA-level interconnection implementation or licensing treatment by 2026-11-08 Bharti Airtel, Reliance Jio, or Vodafone Idea acknowledgement of capex and migration timelines in exchange filings or official statements by 2026-11-08 COAI statement on interoperability, cost recovery, or transition sequencing after 2026-11-05
Sources
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