The Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) on Friday has announced the "Rating of Properties for Digital Connectivity Regulations, 2024," aimed at improving digital connectivity within buildings across the country. This follows TRAI's recommendations made in February 2023, which highlighted the need to integrate Digital Connectivity Infrastructure (DCI) into new and existing structures.
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Demand for Digital Services
This initiative addresses the growing demand for high-quality digital services, especially given the increasing data consumption occurring indoors or in public places due to the rollout of 5G technology.
According to TRAI, with an estimated 927.56 million wireless internet subscribers and only 42.04 million wired internet connections as of June 2024, the majority of the Indian population relies on wireless networks for internet access.
Digital Connectivity Challenge
Despite significant coverage of the 4G (LTE) network and the rollout of 5G, as well as the availability of more spectrum bands, the coverage and quality of digital connectivity inside buildings remain major issues that need to be addressed largely through collaboration between service providers and property managers, TRAI said.
To address the challenges of digital connectivity within buildings, TRAI has proposed the creation of a collaborative ecosystem where property managers can work alongside service providers to enhance infrastructure.
Rating Platform: TRAI will establish a dedicated platform to manage property ratings for digital connectivity, ensuring standardised evaluations.
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Property Classification and Rating System
The newly established rating platform will facilitate the evaluation of properties by the Digital Connectivity Rating Agency (DCRA), allowing them to assess and assign ratings based on specific criteria.
Under the regulations, properties will be classified into various categories, including residential, commercial, governmental, and public spaces, such as stadiums and transport corridors. The rating system will range from one to five stars, with detailed scoring guidelines to be released by TRAI.
Property managers wishing to apply for ratings must register on the rating platform and pay a specified fee. DCRAs will be responsible for evaluating properties and disclosing their fees and terms before commencing any rating activities.
Prohibitions on Exclusive Agreements
Additionally, TRAI said telecom service providers will be prohibited from entering exclusive agreements with property managers regarding DCI development.
To rate digital connectivity, the Model Building Bye Laws (MBBL) issued by the Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs (MoHUA) shall be referenced in cases where the MBBL of a State or Union Territory does not have provisions for digital connectivity infrastructure, the official release said.
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Implementation of the Regulations
The new regulations came into force on October 25, 2024, encouraging property managers to improve digital connectivity for current and prospective users, thereby adding value to their properties and promoting a better digital experience across India.
