Trai termed the move anti-consumer, which appeared to be aimed at stifling competition. A new player, Ringo, has also accused incumbent telcos of denying it interconnection, because of which it has been unable to launch internet telephony services.Trai said that operators have raised several issues with regard to interconnection facility ranging from unreasonably high rates asked by existing telecom operators, billing settlement, disconnection etc. "Through the present Consultation Paper, the Authority is undertaking a review of the existing regulatory framework for interconnection with the ultimate objective of facilitating effective and expeditious interconnection between TSPs in a consultative manner," Trai said.“Interconnection is the lifeline of telecommunication services. "Besides, it has come to the notice of the Authority that the existing TSPs tend to impose conditions on the type of traffic which the interconnecting TSPs can send to them," it added. If yes, what should be the amount of such financial disincentives?”Trai has also proposed if a common interconnection exchange can be set-up for effective interconnection facility which will also lead to reduction in number of ports required for it.

Source: Economic Times October 23, 2016 15:22 UTC