TRAI notifies changes to interconnection rules for fixed-line networks

The term 'interconnection' refers to commercial and technical arrangements under which telecom service providers connect their equipment, networks, and services to enable access to other networks

Telecom regulator TRAI on Friday notified certain changes to the telecom interconnection rules, paving the way for easier interconnectivity between any two fixed-line networks and between fixed-line and national long distance (NLD) networks.

An industry observer said that TRAI's 'Telecommunication Interconnection (Second Amendment) Regulations 2020' will bring procedural clarity and convenience for fixed-line operators, and also address areas like closure of interconnect points in event of service discontinuation within a short-distance charging area.

Outlining the amendments, TRAI said that within a service area, the location of points of interconnect for call between any two fixed-line networks and fixed-line and NLD networks will