Latest news with #RatingofPropertiesforDigitalConnectivityRegulations
Mint
12-06-2025
- Business
- Mint
Your building's digital infra will be rated. But who will pay?
A pitched battle has ensued between telecom operators and real estate developers over who should pay to get digital infrastructure in buildings rated and handle its maintenance, in the backdrop of a new digital connectivity rating system being prepared by India's telecom regulator. The Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (Trai) is working on a framework wherein a standard method to evaluate digital connectivity inside properties—aimed at ensuring strong indoor mobile and internet signals—will be notified. Last month, the regulator released for consultation a draft manual for Assessment of Digital Connectivity under Rating of Properties for Digital Connectivity Regulations, 2024. Also read | Why govt's Vodafone Idea stake will hasten telecom tariff hikes Telcos, represented by the Cellular Operators Association of India (COAI), argue that property managers–read: real estate developers and owners–should bear the full cost and compliance burden, including maintenance and obtaining the building rating. On the other hand, real estate companies, represented by Asia Pacific Real Assets Association (APREA), have asked Trai to remove these responsibilities from their scope, saying the infrastructure should be owned, operated, and maintained by the digital connectivity infrastructure providers themselves. COAI counts Reliance Jio, Bharti Airtel and Vodafone Idea as its members. APREA counts Anarock, Brookfield, DLF, BlackRock, Brookfield, DLF as its members. To be sure, poor in-building connectivity has become a growing concern for consumers, who often struggle with weak mobile signals and unreliable internet access inside homes, offices, and commercial complexes — despite strong coverage outside. The ratings will enable consumers to make informed decisions when selecting the area of their residence, offices, or at airports, and other areas. 'This is very important as far as the telecom quality is concerned," Trai chairman Anil Lahoti was quoted as saying by PTI in a recent interview. 'The provision of in-building solution inside the building premises will complement the network being provided outside by the telecom service providers." In its draft module, Trai said property managers will be responsible for application for ratings of buildings, documentation and compliance, maintenance of digital connectivity infrastructure, and consumer communication and tenant management. Digital connectivity rating agencies (DCRAs) will be registered with Trai and will evaluate and award ratings for property under the regulations. Disagreement's cause Who will pay for the ratings is what has caused the disagreement. 'Property managers are the primary beneficiaries of building ratings—gaining enhanced marketability, the ability to command premium rents, improved tenant retention—there is a compelling case for them to bear the costs associated with rating of buildings," the COAI told Trai in its submission on the draft module, adding that it should be incumbent upon the property manager to fund and execute the rating process while proactively securing and maintaining all necessary digital infrastructure—including provisions for telecom operators access—to achieve and sustain a certified rating. In fact, telecom operators want Trai to include in the framework that the responsibility for bearing the cost of establishing network infrastructure, power and associated equipment should rest with the property manager. Also read | Trai, telecom companies spar over data demand However, real estate developers want Trai to delete the clause that documentation and compliance is a responsibility of property managers. 'Property manager may not own the DCI (digital connectivity infrastructure) and may only facilitate in implementing a digital connectivity infrastructure within a building, owing to the various regulations associated with deployment of a Digital Connectivity Infrastructure," APREA said in its submission to Trai. 'Moreover, a Property Manager is essentially a person (Developer) and/or a Property Management firm which looks into account the various aspects of Building infrastructure including Civil, Electrical, HVAC (heating, ventilation and air conditioning), Firefighting, Plumbing, Lifts, Security Managementetc., but may not possess the capabilities of complex telecom infrastructure architecture," it added. Assurance to consumers Telecom operators argued that better digital infrastructure and connectivity would give assurance to consumers while assessing property for purchase or use. 'This will help the Property Managers of the said building/premises to build moretrust with the consumers and also influence the consumer's choices," they said, adding that property managers can use the same to market their properties. As per the framework proposed by Trai, the buildings will be rated on diverse connectivity options, such as fibre optic networks, wifi, cellular connectivity and satellite broadband, based on their capability to provide seamless indoor and outdoor network coverage. Also read | Next-gen telecom tech to get ₹1,000-crore yearly R&D boost under telecom policy Even as Trai has proposed a framework, telecom operators want the regulator to form a committee consisting of representatives from academia, ministry of housing and urban affairs (MoHUA), department of telecommunications (DoT), telecom operators, etc, to advise on the matter related to proliferation, popularisation and adoption of rating framework. 'We reiterate our submission that the DCI implementation should be backed by the law. For instance, RERA (Real Estate Regulatory Authority) Act does not cover DCI at present. Mandating digital connectivity inside the buildings and ensuring that this is available to all licensed Telecom Service Providers on non-discriminatory basis should be incorporated in the Model builder-buyer agreement prescribed by RERA for covering it under the jurisdiction of this Act and its enforceability by the RERA," Jio wrote in a separate submission to Trai on the subject. More disagreements Notably, telecom operators have also expressed concerns over compliance requirements in the draft framework proposed. In one of the rating criteria, Trai has given weightage to minimum download speed of 10 Mbps for 4G or 100 Mbps for 5G technology inside buildings. The telecom operators, however, have opposed the same stating that the speed metrics should be modified in accordance with an already stated criteria. 'For 4G, throughput equal to or better than 2 Mbps, successful file download test cases in percentage. For 5G, 100 MB size is to be downloaded on each selected test location within 5 minutes," Airtel said in its response to Trai. Continuing disagreements over the use of public wifi, telecom operators have also asked Trai to either remove the same from the criteria while assessing the ratings of the buildings or reduce its weightage. 'With advanced mobile technologies (4G/5G) providing good data speed, the very utility of using public Wi-Fi for data consumption is diminishing and the rating framework should not encourage any inefficiencies. Further, if mobile coverage is addressed inside buildings/premises, there will be no need left for users to latch to public Wi-Fi," COAI said. Also read | MoS Telecom asks India Post to make DIGIPIN self-financing model Among other things, telecom operators want Trai to implement the building ratings system in phases. For instance, certain buildings with high public footfalls such as airports, ports, railway stations, public transport stations, bus stations, large shopping complexes, industrial estates, major market areas, among others, can be asked to have rating compliance within two years of issue of the regulatory framework by TRAI or two years from obtaining occupancy certificate,whichever is later. In 2023, Trai had also submitted its recommendations to the government on 'Rating of Buildings or Areas for Digital Connectivity', to create an ecosystem for building of DCI as a part of any development activity. Trai has also released the regulation Rating of Properties for Digital Connectivity Regulations, 2024 in October last year to bring a framework for rating of properties for digital connectivity.
Economic Times
08-06-2025
- Business
- Economic Times
5 apply for DCRA empanelment as TRAI preps for digital connectivity rating system for buildings, properties
The Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) has received applications from five entities expressing interest in being empanelled as digital connectivity rating agencies (DCRAs) who will evaluate properties according to the regulator's prescribed rules and norms, according to Chairman Anil Kumar Lahoti. TRAI is hoping for an early launch of the entire system, with Lahoti noting that the first round of empanelment could take place as soon as this month. Some projects and properties have already started making enquiries about the rating system, he told PTI. The proposed 'star rating' system will evaluate properties on digital connectivity, similar to green building or energy efficiency rating systems. New as well as existing buildings can be rated under the proposed system, and TRAI hopes that framework may even nudge builders to "retrofit" existing buildings with good digital connectivity infrastructure to get a favourable rating. To support this, TRAI is developing a digital platform and final property assessments will also be published on the regulator's website. Over time, TRAI expects the digital connectivity rating system to become a standard and key selling point for developers, builders on the one hand, and buyers or tenants on the other, given connectivity demands at workplace and homes. At present, dense construction in urban areas also makes connectivity a challenge in many locations. "We have already issued the regulation for the rating framework. We have also initiated the process of empanelling agencies who can do the rating and the call for application is on. We have received applications from five agencies who have shown interest in getting empanelled as DCRAs. "We have also issued a draft manual on the rating system so that there is a uniform, standard, transparent process for the rating, which is known across all the rating agencies and property managers who are seeking the rating. After that, it is for any property manager to approach a rating agencies and get the rating," Lahoti said. Last month, TRAI released the draft manual for assessment of rating of properties for digital connectivity under the Rating of Properties for Digital Connectivity Regulations, 2024. According to TRAI, the rating manual will enable adoption of uniform assessment methodology by the Digital Connectivity Rating Agencies for rating of properties. It will also provide a standard reference for the property managers for creation of digital connectivity infrastructure (DCI) in their properties. Buildings shall be evaluated based on defined parameters in the regulation -- fiber readiness, mobile network availability, in-building solutions, and wi-fi infrastructure, service performance among others. The regulator had also submitted its recommendations to the government on 'Rating of Buildings or Areas for Digital Connectivity' in February 2023, with an aim to create an ecosystem for building of DCI as a part of any development activity. TRAI has also released the regulation Rating of Properties for Digital Connectivity Regulations, 2024 in October last year to bring a framework for rating of properties for digital connectivity. The idea is to promote creation of good digital connectivity through a collaborative and self-sustainable approach. "The two things -- regulations and policy framework are not contingent upon each other, they are complementary. The regulation is already in force, and the rating of properties can start. The policy framework enabling provisions in the national building code and in the model building bylaws, can process concurrently," he said. Industry estimates show that more than 80 per cent of the data consumption takes place inside building premises, Lahoti said, emphasising that robust and reliable digital connectivity inside buildings is essential to meet connectivity requirement and consumer expectations. "This is very important as far as the telecom quality is concerned. The provision of in-building solution inside the building premises will complement the network being provided outside by the telecom service providers," Lahoti said. Digital connectivity has also become crucial, especially for 5G and, in future, the 6G networks, which use high frequency bands for delivering ultra hi-speed data, but get attenuated due to walls and building materials. "Today, when anybody buys or rents a flat, or maybe rents office premises, and the moment they occupy it, the first problem that they may encounter is connectivity. Imagine buying or renting an expensive flat, and when you move in, you find that your mobile (connectivity) is not working, or you don't have internet connectivity in the rooms... "In today's world, when your entire social, professional, economic life needs digital connectivity, this becomes a serious constraint, and the person starts looking for solution... But the good thing is that all this is solvable by providing engineered solutions inside the buildings," he told PTI. Emphasising that it is important that property developers now start working on these lines, Lahoti said, "In order to nudge the property developers or the project proponents to provide good digital connectivity inside built premises, and to keep a prospective buyer or tenant informed about the quality that he or she is going to get, we have come out with regulation." There is no limit on the number of DCRAs who can be empanelled so long as agencies qualify the stipulated norms, Lahoti said. "The rating itself will be in form of star rating. So a property meeting all the norms and in the highest range will get a five-star rating... the property with poor digital connectivity may get one star. This is very similar to our green building rating system as well as the energy efficiency rating of appliances where star ratings are available, and you can make out by way of rating how where the appliance or the property stand," he said. TRAI is keen to roll out the entire system "fast". "If we get the right initiatives from various project proponents, in this regard, in a matter of few years, people will become aware about this, and more and more properties will look to get this rating," the TRAI chief added. PTI
The Print
08-06-2025
- Business
- The Print
5 apply for DCRA empanelment as TRAI preps for digital connectivity rating system for buildings, properties
Some projects and properties have already started making enquiries about the rating system, he told PTI. TRAI is hoping for an early launch of the entire system, with Lahoti noting that the first round of empanelment could take place as soon as this month. New Delhi, Jun 8 (PTI) The Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) has received applications from five entities expressing interest in being empanelled as digital connectivity rating agencies (DCRAs) who will evaluate properties according to the regulator's prescribed rules and norms, according to Chairman Anil Kumar Lahoti. The proposed 'star rating' system will evaluate properties on digital connectivity, similar to green building or energy efficiency rating systems. New as well as existing buildings can be rated under the proposed system, and TRAI hopes that framework may even nudge builders to 'retrofit' existing buildings with good digital connectivity infrastructure to get a favourable rating. To support this, TRAI is developing a digital platform and final property assessments will also be published on the regulator's website. Over time, TRAI expects the digital connectivity rating system to become a standard and key selling point for developers, builders on the one hand, and buyers or tenants on the other, given connectivity demands at workplace and homes. At present, dense construction in urban areas also makes connectivity a challenge in many locations. 'We have already issued the regulation for the rating framework. We have also initiated the process of empanelling agencies who can do the rating and the call for application is on. We have received applications from five agencies who have shown interest in getting empanelled as DCRAs. 'We have also issued a draft manual on the rating system so that there is a uniform, standard, transparent process for the rating, which is known across all the rating agencies and property managers who are seeking the rating. After that, it is for any property manager to approach a rating agencies and get the rating,' Lahoti said. Last month, TRAI released the draft manual for assessment of rating of properties for digital connectivity under the Rating of Properties for Digital Connectivity Regulations, 2024. According to TRAI, the rating manual will enable adoption of uniform assessment methodology by the Digital Connectivity Rating Agencies for rating of properties. It will also provide a standard reference for the property managers for creation of digital connectivity infrastructure (DCI) in their properties. Buildings shall be evaluated based on defined parameters in the regulation — fiber readiness, mobile network availability, in-building solutions, and wi-fi infrastructure, service performance among others. The regulator had also submitted its recommendations to the government on 'Rating of Buildings or Areas for Digital Connectivity' in February 2023, with an aim to create an ecosystem for building of DCI as a part of any development activity. TRAI has also released the regulation Rating of Properties for Digital Connectivity Regulations, 2024 in October last year to bring a framework for rating of properties for digital connectivity. The idea is to promote creation of good digital connectivity through a collaborative and self-sustainable approach. 'The two things — regulations and policy framework are not contingent upon each other, they are complementary. The regulation is already in force, and the rating of properties can start. The policy framework enabling provisions in the national building code and in the model building bylaws, can process concurrently,' he said. Industry estimates show that more than 80 per cent of the data consumption takes place inside building premises, Lahoti said, emphasising that robust and reliable digital connectivity inside buildings is essential to meet connectivity requirement and consumer expectations. 'This is very important as far as the telecom quality is concerned. The provision of in-building solution inside the building premises will complement the network being provided outside by the telecom service providers,' Lahoti said. Digital connectivity has also become crucial, especially for 5G and, in future, the 6G networks, which use high frequency bands for delivering ultra hi-speed data, but get attenuated due to walls and building materials. 'Today, when anybody buys or rents a flat, or maybe rents office premises, and the moment they occupy it, the first problem that they may encounter is connectivity. Imagine buying or renting an expensive flat, and when you move in, you find that your mobile (connectivity) is not working, or you don't have internet connectivity in the rooms… 'In today's world, when your entire social, professional, economic life needs digital connectivity, this becomes a serious constraint, and the person starts looking for solution… But the good thing is that all this is solvable by providing engineered solutions inside the buildings,' he told PTI. Emphasising that it is important that property developers now start working on these lines, Lahoti said, 'In order to nudge the property developers or the project proponents to provide good digital connectivity inside built premises, and to keep a prospective buyer or tenant informed about the quality that he or she is going to get, we have come out with regulation.' There is no limit on the number of DCRAs who can be empanelled so long as agencies qualify the stipulated norms, Lahoti said. 'The rating itself will be in form of star rating. So a property meeting all the norms and in the highest range will get a five-star rating… the property with poor digital connectivity may get one star. This is very similar to our green building rating system as well as the energy efficiency rating of appliances where star ratings are available, and you can make out by way of rating how where the appliance or the property stand,' he said. TRAI is keen to roll out the entire system 'fast'. 'If we get the right initiatives from various project proponents, in this regard, in a matter of few years, people will become aware about this, and more and more properties will look to get this rating,' the TRAI chief added. PTI MBI TRB This report is auto-generated from PTI news service. ThePrint holds no responsibility for its content.
Time of India
08-06-2025
- Business
- Time of India
5 apply for DCRA empanelment as TRAI preps for digital connectivity rating system for buildings, properties
The Telecom Regulatory Authority of India ( TRAI ) has received applications from five entities expressing interest in being empanelled as digital connectivity rating agencies (DCRAs) who will evaluate properties according to the regulator's prescribed rules and norms, according to Chairman Anil Kumar Lahoti . TRAI is hoping for an early launch of the entire system, with Lahoti noting that the first round of empanelment could take place as soon as this month. Some projects and properties have already started making enquiries about the rating system, he told PTI. The proposed 'star rating' system will evaluate properties on digital connectivity, similar to green building or energy efficiency rating systems. New as well as existing buildings can be rated under the proposed system, and TRAI hopes that framework may even nudge builders to "retrofit" existing buildings with good digital connectivity infrastructure to get a favourable rating. To support this, TRAI is developing a digital platform and final property assessments will also be published on the regulator's website. Over time, TRAI expects the digital connectivity rating system to become a standard and key selling point for developers, builders on the one hand, and buyers or tenants on the other, given connectivity demands at workplace and homes. At present, dense construction in urban areas also makes connectivity a challenge in many locations. "We have already issued the regulation for the rating framework. We have also initiated the process of empanelling agencies who can do the rating and the call for application is on. We have received applications from five agencies who have shown interest in getting empanelled as DCRAs. "We have also issued a draft manual on the rating system so that there is a uniform, standard, transparent process for the rating, which is known across all the rating agencies and property managers who are seeking the rating. After that, it is for any property manager to approach a rating agencies and get the rating," Lahoti said. Last month, TRAI released the draft manual for assessment of rating of properties for digital connectivity under the Rating of Properties for Digital Connectivity Regulations , 2024. According to TRAI, the rating manual will enable adoption of uniform assessment methodology by the Digital Connectivity Rating Agencies for rating of properties. It will also provide a standard reference for the property managers for creation of digital connectivity infrastructure (DCI) in their properties. Buildings shall be evaluated based on defined parameters in the regulation -- fiber readiness, mobile network availability, in-building solutions, and wi-fi infrastructure, service performance among others. The regulator had also submitted its recommendations to the government on 'Rating of Buildings or Areas for Digital Connectivity' in February 2023, with an aim to create an ecosystem for building of DCI as a part of any development activity. TRAI has also released the regulation Rating of Properties for Digital Connectivity Regulations, 2024 in October last year to bring a framework for rating of properties for digital connectivity. The idea is to promote creation of good digital connectivity through a collaborative and self-sustainable approach. "The two things -- regulations and policy framework are not contingent upon each other, they are complementary. The regulation is already in force, and the rating of properties can start. The policy framework enabling provisions in the national building code and in the model building bylaws, can process concurrently," he said. Industry estimates show that more than 80 per cent of the data consumption takes place inside building premises, Lahoti said, emphasising that robust and reliable digital connectivity inside buildings is essential to meet connectivity requirement and consumer expectations. "This is very important as far as the telecom quality is concerned. The provision of in-building solution inside the building premises will complement the network being provided outside by the telecom service providers," Lahoti said. Digital connectivity has also become crucial, especially for 5G and, in future, the 6G networks, which use high frequency bands for delivering ultra hi-speed data, but get attenuated due to walls and building materials. "Today, when anybody buys or rents a flat, or maybe rents office premises, and the moment they occupy it, the first problem that they may encounter is connectivity. Imagine buying or renting an expensive flat, and when you move in, you find that your mobile (connectivity) is not working, or you don't have internet connectivity in the rooms... "In today's world, when your entire social, professional, economic life needs digital connectivity, this becomes a serious constraint, and the person starts looking for solution... But the good thing is that all this is solvable by providing engineered solutions inside the buildings," he told PTI. Emphasising that it is important that property developers now start working on these lines, Lahoti said, "In order to nudge the property developers or the project proponents to provide good digital connectivity inside built premises, and to keep a prospective buyer or tenant informed about the quality that he or she is going to get, we have come out with regulation." There is no limit on the number of DCRAs who can be empanelled so long as agencies qualify the stipulated norms, Lahoti said. "The rating itself will be in form of star rating. So a property meeting all the norms and in the highest range will get a five-star rating... the property with poor digital connectivity may get one star. This is very similar to our green building rating system as well as the energy efficiency rating of appliances where star ratings are available, and you can make out by way of rating how where the appliance or the property stand," he said. TRAI is keen to roll out the entire system "fast". "If we get the right initiatives from various project proponents, in this regard, in a matter of few years, people will become aware about this, and more and more properties will look to get this rating," the TRAI chief added. PTI
Mint
08-06-2025
- Business
- Mint
No Wi-Fi? Call drops at home? TRAI is working on a solution to fix dead zones inside your house
In today's world, having a stable phone and internet connection is one of the first priorities. This is especially true for inside your home, where you need a stable connection to get on with your daily life. The Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) is working on a solution to provide better connectivity inside your home. Speaking to PTI, TRAI Chairman Anil Kumar Lahoti said that the regulator is taking an initiative around rating of properties on digital connectivity. 'Today when you or anyone buys or rents a flat or office premises, and the moment you occupy it, the first problem that you may encounter is connectivity. You buy an expensive flat, or rent an expensive flat, when you move in, you find that your mobile is not working or you don't have internet connectivity in all the rooms,' he said. He said that house owners or tenants may not get a satisfactory connectivity even after struggling for months. 'In today's world, when your entire social, professional, economic life needs digital connectivity, this becomes a serious constraint, and the person starts looking for solution – they struggle for days, sometimes weeks, or sometimes even longer, and at time they don't even get good, satisfactory solution,' Lahoti was quoted as saying by PTI. The TRAI chairman said that connectivity issues can be solved if the builder provides engineered solutions inside the buildings. 'This can be solved by providing engineered solutions inside the buildings. It is important that property developers now start working on these lines.' The TRAI in October last year came up with the 'Rating of Properties for Digital Connectivity Regulations, 2024' to provide better connectivity inside homes. Last month, TRAI released the draft manual for assessment of rating of properties for digital connectivity under these regulations. 'In order to nudge the property developers to provide good digital connectivity inside building premises, and to keep a prospective buyer or tenant informed about the (connectivity) quality that he or she is going to get, we have come out with this regulation,' Lahoti said. 'We have already issued the regulation for the rating framework,' he added. Providing updates of the new system, the TRAI chairman said, 'We have also initiated the process of empanelling agencies that can do the rating (as a digital connectivity rating agency). The calling of the application is already underway.' He added that the TRAI has received applications from five entities expressing interest in being empanelled as digital connectivity rating agencies (DCRAs) who will evaluate properties according to the regulator's prescribed rules and norms. 'We have received applications from five agencies in this regard, showing interest in getting empanelled. We have also issued a draft manual on the rating system so that there is a uniform, standard, transparent process for the rating, which is known across all the rating agencies and property managers who are seeking the rating,' he said. 'It is for any property manager to approach a rating agency and get the rating,' Lahoti noted. Digital connectivity has also become crucial, especially for 5G and, in future, the 6G networks, which use high frequency bands for delivering ultra hi-speed data, but get attenuated due to walls and building materials.
