TRAI: TRAI to review interconnection rules, seeks suggestions on satellite networks and 5G interconnection..
India's telecom regulator, TRAI (Telecom Regulatory Authority of India), has begun reviewing its old interconnection rules. In this regard, TRAI has issued a consultation paper seeking input from telecom companies, satellite operators, and other stakeholders.
What is interconnection?
In simple terms, interconnection means connecting different telecom networks so that users can communicate or share data seamlessly. For example, if you call an Airtel number from Jio, the technical and commercial arrangement between the two networks is called interconnection.
What is TRAI seeking feedback on?
TRAI has posed approximately 36 questions in this paper, seeking suggestions from companies and experts, of which these are some of the key issues.
How should a framework be developed to connect satellite-based networks with other mobile and fixed networks?
How should interconnection charges (such as charges for connecting or transferring calls) be determined?
Origin, transit, transport, termination, and international charges
Does the Reference Interconnect Offer (RIO) framework need to be updated?
How should IP-based interconnection (essential for 4G and 5G services) be improved?
Where and how should Points of Interconnect (PoIs) be located in satellite networks, such as satellite earth station gateways or connections to mobile/fixed lines?
Should there be separate regulations for MSS (Mobile Satellite Service) and FSS (Fixed Satellite Service)?
What can India learn from international experiences (global regulatory models)?
Other issues on which opinions have been sought include:
Termination charges for international calls and SMS
Bank guarantees and security rules
Telemarketing and robocalls (spam calls)
TRAI has asked companies to provide suggestions on these issues.
Why is this review necessary?
TRAI stated that technology in the telecom sector is rapidly changing. Now, mobile, internet, and satellite are all interconnected. Therefore, it is necessary to update old regulations to accommodate new technologies such as 5G and satellite internet.
Currently, interconnection systems are in place at the LSA (License Service Area) level for mobile networks and at the district or tehsil level for fixed-line networks. TRAI aims to make these systems compatible with IP-based and next-generation networks, providing users with better service and faster connectivity.
What's next?
After TRAI receives responses from all stakeholders on this paper, a draft of new interconnection regulations will be prepared to ensure India's telecom network is fully prepared for future technologies such as 5G, satellite internet, and IoT (Internet of Things) services.
Disclaimer: This content has been sourced and edited from Amar Ujala. While we have made modifications for clarity and presentation, the original content belongs to its respective authors and website. We do not claim ownership of the content.
