New TRAI rule will give buildings a score for internet
TRAI has introduced a new draft manual to rate Indian buildings on their digital connectivity. The score will be based on fiber internet, Wi-Fi availability, mobile network strength, and overall service quality. The move is aimed at improving indoor internet infrastructure in residential and commercial spaces.
New Delhi:
The idea is simple but timely. As we consume more data inside buildings, whether it’s watching a YouTube video on 5G, working on cloud-based files, or making UPI payments in a lift, the need for strong indoor connectivity is becoming non-negotiable. TRAI’s manual aims to push developers, landlords, and service providers to take this seriously.
The Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) has moved one step closer to making digital infrastructure a part of how we assess real estate. On May 13, 2025, the regulator released a detailed draft manual that outlines how properties can be rated for digital connectivity. This follows the “Rating of Properties for Digital Connectivity Regulations, 2024” that came into effect last October.
What’s the draft manual about?
TRAI says the goal is to have a “uniform assessment methodology” so everyone from a tech-savvy tenant to a telco knows what’s expected. It also provides a guide for Property Managers (PMs) to build or upgrade Digital Connectivity Infrastructure (DCI).
The manual is part of TRAI’s push to create a system where good digital infrastructure isn’t an afterthought. Better ratings, the Authority believes, will attract more buyers, tenants, and investors, making digital readiness a real-estate value-add.
The new draft gives clear instructions on how properties will be evaluated by Digital Connectivity Rating Agencies (DCRAs). A key aspect is ensuring that building owners and managers plan for fiber readiness, in-building mobile coverage, Wi-Fi quality, and network availability right from the construction phase.
Key rating categories in the manual
Properties will be scored based on:
Fiber network readiness
Mobile signal availability inside the building
In-building telecom solutions
Wi-Fi access and quality
Network performance and user experience
This structured approach, TRAI says, will let users compare properties easily before making a decision, similar to how we check star ratings for energy efficiency.
Public comments invited
TRAI has asked all stakeholders to submit their views by June 2, 2025. Counter-comments will be accepted till June 9. The full draft is available on TRAI’s official website.
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