FoIR, TRAI Hold Session on Digital Connectivity Rating Framework for Properties
The initiative is part of TRAI’s broader outreach under Digital India and the Smart Cities Mission, aimed at encouraging stakeholders to adopt the framework and mainstream digital infrastructure into urban development and governance.
New Delhi, August 25: The Forum of Indian Regulators (FoIR), in collaboration with the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI), on Monday organised an online session to discuss the Framework for Rating of Properties on Digital Connectivity, aimed at integrating connectivity readiness into real estate and infrastructure planning.
The interactive session brought together FoIR members and senior representatives from multiple regulatory bodies including the Insolvency & Bankruptcy Board of India (IBBI), Central Electricity Regulatory Commission (CERC), Petroleum & Natural Gas Regulatory Board (PNGRB), Competition Commission of India (CCI), State Electricity Regulatory Commissions (SERCs) and the Airports Economic Regulatory Authority (AERA). Over 80 senior officers participated in the deliberations.
‘Digital Connectivity as Foundational Infrastructure’
In his inaugural address, Ravi Mital, Honorary Chairperson of FoIR and Chairman of IBBI, stressed that robust digital connectivity is now a “foundational requirement” across sectors such as finance, education, healthcare, housing, transport, and governance. He praised TRAI’s initiative on the Rating of Properties for Digital Connectivity Regulations, 2024, calling it a timely move to embed digital readiness into planning frameworks.
Star-Rating System for Properties
TRAI Chairperson Anil Kumar Lahoti highlighted that although 70–80% of India’s mobile data traffic is consumed indoors, many premises continue to face coverage gaps. With the rollout of 5G and advanced technologies, he said, connectivity planning must include fibre entry, ducting, cable trays, rooftop access, Wi-Fi readiness, and resilience—treated at par with utilities like water and electricity.
Lahoti informed that TRAI has notified a voluntary star-rating system for properties and recently released a Manual for Assessment of Digital Connectivity. So far, eight Digital Connectivity Rating Agencies (DCRAs) have been registered to operationalise the framework, with more under review.
Technical Insights
A detailed presentation by Tejpal Singh, Advisor (QoS-I), TRAI, explained the rating methodology covering parameters such as fibre readiness, indoor signal strength, mobile and wired network availability, Wi-Fi enablement, and infrastructure resilience.
The initiative is part of TRAI’s broader outreach under Digital India and the Smart Cities Mission, aimed at encouraging stakeholders to adopt the framework and mainstream digital infrastructure into urban development and governance.
