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TRAI Mandates Online Registration for Telecom Agreements
7 Nov
Summary
- Online registration of telecom interconnection agreements is mandatory from January 1, 2027.
- Service providers must submit agreements in text-searchable PDF format.
- New rules aim to improve efficiency, transparency, and access to records.
Starting January 1, 2027, the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) will require all telecom service providers to register interconnection agreements online. This significant shift from physical submissions to a digital platform is mandated by the Ministry of Communications. Existing agreements must be registered within 15 days of the effective date, and any new or modified agreements require registration within 15 days of their execution.
Under the new "The Register of Interconnect Agreements (Fourth Amendment) Regulations, 2026," service providers must also submit agreements as text-searchable PDFs. This format will streamline the examination, maintenance, and retrieval of records. The updated framework also permits public online access to the Register of Interconnect Agreements, subject to regulatory conditions, fostering greater transparency.
TRAI has established new inspection fees, charging Rs 1,500 per hour for viewing agreements and Rs 500 per page for copies or extracts. A graded penalty system will be implemented for non-compliance with the new regulations, with penalties proportionate to the offense. The Ministry of Communications anticipates these changes will lead to a more efficient registration process and enhanced regulatory oversight.
