Key Points

TRAI has rolled out India’s first manual to rate buildings for digital connectivity. The framework ensures high-speed internet access indoors, crucial for modern needs. It helps buyers, businesses, and developers make informed choices. This move supports India’s vision for a digitally inclusive economy.

Key Points: TRAI Launches India's First Digital Connectivity Rating Manual for Buildings

  • Standardized manual evaluates fibre readiness and in-building coverage
  • Aims to improve indoor 4G/5G and Wi-Fi performance
  • Helps buyers and tenants assess connectivity before decisions
  • Encourages developers to integrate digital infrastructure early
2 min read

TRAI issues manual to assess digital connectivity in properties

TRAI introduces a standardized framework to assess digital connectivity in properties, ensuring high-speed access for work, education, and healthcare.

"Digital connectivity is essential infrastructure, just like electricity or water. – Anil Kumar Lahoti, TRAI Chairman"

New Delhi, August 13

The Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) has issued the manual for rating of properties for digital connectivity, the country's first standardised framework to evaluate how effectively buildings are equipped for high-speed, reliable digital access, according to a statement from the telecom regulator.

With more than 80 per cent of mobile data consumed indoors, and high-frequency band signals of 4G and 5G often weakened by modern-day building materials, robust in-building networks have become essential for work, education, healthcare, and daily digital services.

Weak indoor connectivity directly affects consumer experience and overall quality of service.

Developed under the Rating of Properties for Digital Connectivity Regulations, 2024, the manual establishes a uniform assessment methodology for Digital Connectivity Rating Agencies (DCRAs).

It also serves as a reference framework for Property Managers (PMs) and Service Providers to plan, implement, and maintain future-ready Digital Connectivity Infrastructure (DCI); defines transparent, standardised criteria for property ratings, including fibre readiness, in-building mobile coverage, Wi-Fi coverage, broadband speeds and overall user experience; enables buyers, tenants, and businesses to make informed decisions based on actual digital connectivity performance; and encourages developers to integrate robust digital infrastructure from the design and construction stage.

"In the 21st century, digital connectivity is not a luxury -- it is essential infrastructure, just like electricity or water. Today, it powers growth, innovation, and opportunity. This framework is a decisive step towards making every building in India ready for the Digital India vision, enabling more citizens to participate fully in our connected economy and laying the foundation for inclusive national growth," said Anil Kumar Lahoti, Chairman, TRAI.

Reliable digital infrastructure now underpins economic growth, innovation, and social welfare.

With most data usage occurring indoors, ensuring robust in-building digital connectivity has become critical.

To address this, TRAI notified the Rating of Properties for Digital Connectivity Regulations, 2024 on October 25 last year.

- ANI

Share this article:

Reader Comments

P
Priya S
Good initiative but implementation will be key. Builders will find loopholes unless there are strict penalties. My office building in Gurgaon has terrible WiFi despite being a premium property.
A
Ananya R
As a work-from-home professional, this is a game changer! No more running to the balcony for video calls. Digital connectivity should be treated as basic infrastructure like water and electricity.
V
Vikram M
TRAI should also focus on making existing buildings compliant. Most of us live in older societies that weren't designed for digital needs. Where's the plan for retrofitting?
K
Kavya N
This is excellent for home buyers! Now we can check digital connectivity ratings just like we check RERA approvals. Digital India needs strong foundations 💻🇮🇳
S
Siddharth J
While the intent is good, I worry this will increase property prices further. Builders will use "5G ready" as an excuse to charge premium rates without actual improvements.
M
Meera T
Hope they include rural areas in this framework too. Digital divide is real and we need equal focus on villages and small towns, not just urban properties.

We welcome thoughtful discussions from our readers. Please keep comments respectful and on-topic.

Leave a Comment

Minimum 50 characters 0/50