Digital connectivity readiness: Trai proposes new evluation, rating norms for real estate projects

New Delhi: The telecom regulator has proposed amending the evaluation and rating of digital connectivity readiness in various real estate properties in a bid to improve transparency for consumers and provide a clearer roadmap for telecom operators setting up digital infrastructure.

In a consultation paper released Friday, Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (Trai) proposed expanding the evaluation scale measuring digital connectivity readiness of properties from five to nine stars, by adding half-star increments to better distinguish levels of infrastructure quality.

The proposed new rules also introduce a design-stage assessment of connectivity readiness for buildings under construction, allowing developers to receive indicative certifications before construction is completed.


Currently, a large proportion of properties are marked and sold during the construction phase, but the existing framework only awards ratings after the physical completion and testing of digital connectivity infrastructure. To address this gap, Trai has proposed a design-stage assessment where builders can submit design plans for digital connectivity to prospective buyers.

The present ratings framework involves multiple stages including two stages of due diligence after the application submission and registration of the property manager.

Additionally, Trai also proposed allowing property managers to request voluntary audits to identify technical gaps. This can be done without committing to a public rating of the property immediately. Since formal ratings become publicly visible once awarded, some property managers prefer to identify gaps and make improvements, which the consultation paper has proposed to be adopted.

Property managers can hire a registered digital connectivity rating agency (DCRA) for an internal evaluation before applying for a formal, public rating.