**Summary:**
The Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) conducted a workshop on July 17, 2025, in New Delhi, focusing on its "Framework for Rating of Properties for Digital Connectivity." The workshop aimed to promote the adoption of the Rating of Properties for Digital Connectivity Regulations, 2024, notified on October 25, 2024, among key central government ministries, departments, the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS), CPWD, Town and Country Planning Organisations, School of Planning and Architecture, NBCC, and other infrastructure development agencies. Approximately 100 senior officers participated.
The framework introduces a voluntary, performance-based star rating system to evaluate a property's digital readiness for broadband and mobile connectivity, covering residential buildings, commercial complexes, government offices, airports, highways, stadiums, railway stations, and other infrastructure. TRAI Chairperson Shri Anil Kumar Lahoti emphasized the essential nature of robust digital connectivity, comparable to water, electricity, and structural safety, particularly given that an estimated 70-80% of mobile data traffic is consumed indoors. He advocated for the integration of Digital Connectivity Infrastructure (DCI) at the design stage of projects.
The rating framework offers a transparent approach for property developers, infrastructure providers, and government agencies to plan, implement, evaluate, and improve digital connectivity across various premises. Shri Tejpal Singh, Advisor QoS1, TRAI, presented the Rating of Properties for Digital Connectivity Regulations, 2024, and the rating manual for Digital Connectivity Rating Agencies (DCRAs), property managers, architects, and service providers. Key rating parameters include fibre entry points, indoor signal strength, rooftop access for antenna installations, readiness for WiFi and 5G, and ease of access for operators.
Shri Abhishek Sharma, Scientist B, BIS, discussed revisions in the National Building Code (NBC) 2016 related to Information and Communication Enabled Installations, stressing the harmonization of building standards with telecom infrastructure needs. The workshop included interactive discussions and a Q&A session to align planning, policy, and implementation for addressing indoor connectivity gaps. The framework supports national programs like Digital India and Smart Cities Mission, aiming for inclusive, high-quality digital access for all citizens. TRAI intends to continue stakeholder engagement through workshops and consultations to facilitate robust digital connectivity infrastructure development.
Key Entities Referenced
Telecom Regulatory Authority of India TRAI: A regulatory body in India responsible for telecommunications
Rating of Properties for Digital Connectivity Regulations, 2024: Regulations notified by TRAI regarding a star rating system for digital connectivity of properties.
Bureau of Indian Standards BIS: The National Standards Body of India responsible for standardization, marking and quality certification of goods.
Shri Anil Kumar Lahoti: Chairperson of TRAI
Digital Connectivity Infrastructure DCI: Civil, physical, and technological components enabling access to telecom networks.
Shri Tejpal Singh: Advisor QoS1 at TRAI
National Building Code NBC 2016: A comprehensive building code providing guidelines for regulating building construction activities across the country.
Digital India: A Government of India initiative to ensure that Government services are made available to citizens electronically by improved online infrastructure and by increasing Internet connectivity.
Ministry of Communications
TRAI Organises Workshop for Central Government
Ministries on Framework for Rating of Properties for
Digital Connectivity
Posted On: 17 JUL 2025 4:43PM by PIB Delhi
The Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) today organised a half-day workshop on its Framework
for Rating of Properties for Digital Connectivity at TRAI Headquarter, New Delhi. The workshop brought
together around 100 senior officers from key Central Government Ministries and Departments, Bureau of
Indian Standards (BIS), CPWD, Town and Country Planning Organisations, School of Planning and
Architecture, NBCC and other infrastructure development agencies.
The event aimed to build awareness about importance of planning digital connectivity infrastructure as a part
of property or infrastructure development plan and promote institutional adoption of the Rating of Properties
for Digital Connectivity Regulations, 2024, notified by TRAI on 25 October 2024. The regulation
introduces a voluntary, performance-based star rating system, similar to green building or energy efficiency
ratings, to assess how digitally ready a property or infrastructure is for delivering high-quality broadband and
mobile connectivity. The property or infrastructure includes residential buildings, commercial complexes,
government offices, airports, highways, stadiums, and railway stations, among others.In his inaugural address, Shri Anil Kumar Lahoti, Chairperson, TRAI, highlighted that robust digital
connectivity has become as essential as water, electricity and structural safety, especially since an estimated
70-80% of mobile data traffic is now consumed indoors. He emphasised the need for Digital Connectivity
Infrastructure (DCI); the civil, physical and technological components that enable seamless access to
telecom networks; to be planned and embedded at the design stage, rather than added as an afterthought.
The Chairperson noted that the new rating framework provides a clear, transparent and technology-neutral
approach for property developers, infrastructure providers and government agencies to plan, implement,
evaluate and improve digital connectivity readiness across various types of premises viz. homes, offices,
schools, hospitals, transport hubs and smart urban spaces. He urged Ministries, Departments and institutions
to integrate DCI requirements into project guidelines, model tender documents and training curricula, so that
India’s built environment is future-ready by design.
The technical session included a presentation by Shri Tejpal Singh, Advisor (QoS-1), TRAI, who detailed
the Rating of Properties for Digital Connectivity Regulations, 2024 and the associated rating manual for
the reference of registered Digital Connectivity Rating Agencies (DCRAs), property managers, architects
and service providers. Participants were familiarised with key rating parameters such as fibre entry points,
indoor signal strength, rooftop access for antenna installations, readiness for Wi-Fi and 5G, and ease of access
for operators to deploy or maintain services.Representing the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS), Shri Abhishek Sharma, Scientist ‘B’, spoke on the
key revisions proposed in the National Building Code (NBC) 2016 related to Information and
Communication Enabled Installations, emphasising the importance of harmonising building standards with
emerging telecom infrastructure needs.
The workshop featured interactive discussions and a dedicated Q&A session where senior officers and
technical experts exchanged insights on aligning planning, policy and implementation to address indoor
connectivity gaps and ensure consistent quality.
This framework aligns with flagship national programmes such as Digital India and Smart Cities Mission,
supporting the long-term goal of inclusive, high-quality digital access for every citizen.
TRAI will continue its stakeholder engagement through such workshops, consultations and capacity-building
initiatives to facilitate the creation of robust digital connectivity infrastructure in the country.****
Samrat/Allen
(Release ID: 2145518)