The Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (Trai) on Tuesday said it will look into interconnection charges for Internet-based networks such as 4G, furthering its regulatory framework for developing new-age communication systems.
“We will start consultation on it (IP interconnection) after DoT (department of telecom) amends telecom licences,” Trai chairman R.S. Sharma told reporters on the sidelines of mobile devices maker Lava’s event.
His comments came a day after the inter-ministerial body Telecom Commission approved interconnection among IP networks on the basis of Trai recommendations. The amendment was required to enable interconnection among upcoming networks which will be based on IP starting with 4G technology.
Interconnection charges are paid by one telecom operator to another to connect its subscribers’ calls or messages to the latter’s network. Earlier networks were built using copper cables, called circuit switch, but modern networks are being built mostly using optical fiber.
A telecom licence has a provision of connecting circuit switch-based networks with another circuit switch, circuit switch with IP, but not IP to IP.
The DoT is expected to make amendments within a month to incorporate the new provision. The provision is expected to have an impact on IP-based calls and messages. On spectrum auction recommendations, the Trai chairman said that the regulator will work as per set procedure.