The Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) today 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.

With more than 80% 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).
• 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.
• 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 Shri Anil Kumar Lahoti, Chairman, TRAI.

Over the past decade, India has undergone rapid digital transformation, reshaping how citizens work, learn, access healthcare, and engage with public services. 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 25 October 2024, establishing a standardised, collaborative framework for evaluating DCI. The Draft Manual for Assessment of Digital Connectivity, released on 13 May 2025 for public consultation, attracted feedback from fourteen stakeholders - including service providers, infrastructure providers, consumer organisations, and prospective DCRAs - with one consumer organisation also submitting counter-comments. This manual incorporates refined definitions, clearer assessment criteria, and strengthened implementation guidelines to ensure fair, credible, and consistent ratings nationwide with due consideration to the comments and counter comments. The analysis of comments and counter comments is available on TRAI website for ready reference.

For queries on the manual, please contact:
Shri Tejpal Singh, Advisor (QoS-I), TRAI
Email: adv-qos1@trai.gov.in | Tel: +91-11-20907759

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(Release ID: 2156032)