FAQ's

The Digital Connectivity Rating is an initiative by the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) to assess and benchmark the quality of digital connectivity within properties. The primary objective is to encourage property managers to build digitally connected and future ready smart properties and assess whether properties are equipped with robust digital infrastructure, enhancing user experience for tenants, residents, and businesses.The Digital Connectivity Rating is an initiative by the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) to assess and benchmark the quality of digital connectivity within properties. The primary objective is to encourage property managers to build digitally connected and future ready smart properties and assess whether properties are equipped with robust digital infrastructure, enhancing user experience for tenants, residents, and businesses.

Digital Connectivity Rating is governed by the provisions in “Rating of Properties for Digital Connectivity Regulations, 2024” and further follow-up orders or guidelines issued by TRAI.

The rating system evaluates properties based on the rating criteria provided in the regulations. Some of the key aspects assessed under the framework include:
i. Availability of Connectivity Options: Access to mobile networks (2G/3G/4G/5G), Wi-Fi, fiber broadband, and private networks.
ii. Indoor Coverage Quality: Signal strength and coverage within the building, including basements, elevators, and floors.
iii. Digital Infrastructure Readiness: Deployment of in-building solutions (IBS), distributed antenna systems (DAS), small cells and optical fiber backbones.
iv. Network and power Redundancy: Availability of backup connectivity and power sources to ensure uninterrupted services.
v. Future-Readiness: Scalability and ease of integration with advanced technologies, including 5G and IoT solutions.

i. Property Managers: Gain recognition and competitive advantage by providing high-quality digital infrastructure.
ii. Consumers:Enjoy uninterrupted connectivity for work, entertainment, and communication.
iii. Service Providers: Identify opportunities for infrastructure upgrades and improved service delivery.
iv. Government Authorities and Regulators: Promote digital connectivity infrastructure and ensure consumer trust and protection. The improved digital connectivity further drives digital economy and business opportunities in the country.

Currently, the rating system is voluntary. However, TRAI strongly encourages participation by property developers and property owners, and service providers to plan digital connectivity in the real estate sector from its inception and get it rated under TRAI rating framework.

The rating framework applies to all property types, including:
i. Residential complexes
ii. Office spaces and commercial properties
iii. Malls and retail outlets
iv. Educational institutions
v. Healthcare facilities
vi. Airports
vii. Metro rail
viii. Stadiums and open spaces

The objective of classification or grouping of properties is solely for the purpose of applying the rating criteria which are relevant to assess the digital connectivity in the respective category or group of properties.

Property managers may encounter the following challenges:
i. Limited infrastructure for in-building solutions such as DAS or fiber backbone.
ii. High costs are associated with upgrading outdated systems.
iii. Difficulty in integrating services from multiple telecom service providers.
TRAI encourages collaborations between property managers and telecom providers to overcome these barriers.

While there are no mandatory financial incentives outlined by TRAI, properties with higher ratings benefit from enhanced marketability, tenant satisfaction, and alignment with smart city goals. Property managers may also see more demand for digital connected properties.

On applications can be submitted through the process specified in TRAI’s guidelines. Typically, this involves:
i. One time registration on rating platform
ii. Apply for rating of property and provide relevant details 
iii. Choose the DCRA of your choice
iv. Submit the application
v. The rating process starts.

TRAI’s regulation and orders/guidelines for the Digital Connectivity Rating framework are available on its official website i.e. trai.gov.in

The rating system aligns with the objectives of the National Digital Communications Policy (NDCP), 2018, which emphasizes:
i. Enhancing broadband penetration
ii. Promoting ICT readiness across sectors
iii. Ensuring affordable and reliable digital connectivity
By setting a rating framework for digital connectivity inside properties where more data is used than at street or open areas, TRAI contributes broader goals of creating a digitally inclusive society.

By encouraging the integration of future-ready digital infrastructure, TRAI’s rating system motivates property managers to adopt innovative solutions, such as:
i. Smart building technologies
ii. Energy-efficient network equipment
iii. Seamless integration of IoT devices and 5G networks
This fosters a more competitive and technology-driven property development.

The DCRA needs to evaluate whether the property’s Digital Connectivity Infrastructure (DCI) has been provided in the property as per the requirement of the latest applicable National Building Code (NBC) issued by Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) and Model Building Bye-Laws (MBBL) issued by Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs, Government of India (MoHUA). Here is an indicative list of key provisions / requirements:

The rating platform will have provisions to collect feedback, with supporting evidence, from concerned stakeholders about maintenance or DCI performance issue, if any. 
Based on the feedback received, DCRA can review the property’s rating and update it, if necessary, as per provision of regulation 28. Before any change to the rating, the property manager will be given 90 days to resolve the issues or address the deficiencies communicated through the platform.

The regulation 22 states that in case of change of property manager or property ownership, the property manager shall ensure smooth transfer of digital connectivity infrastructure to the new property manager for continuity of digital connectivity till the validity of the rating certificate awarded in respect of the property, and may include suitable provisions in the agreement to ensure compliance of the provisions of the regulations and terms and conditions of the rating certificate, post transfer of the property. The failure of the property manager to intimate the change of property manager or ownership to the Authority shall be considered as contravention of the regulations.

In the event of a property expansion, the existing rating remains valid only for the portion originally assessed.
However, the property managers are encouraged to apply for a re-rating for entire property or new rating for the expanded property area. (Refer regulation 29)