Has the Centre Released a Draft Manual for Property Rating to Enhance Digital Connectivity?

Synopsis
On May 14, 2023, the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) introduced a draft manual to assess property ratings aimed at enhancing digital connectivity. This initiative is expected to standardize evaluations and improve infrastructure, making properties more appealing to users and investors alike.
Key Takeaways
- TRAI has released a draft manual for property rating.
- It aims to improve digital connectivity in buildings.
- Properties will be assessed on multiple connectivity parameters.
- Standardized ratings will enhance property values.
- The initiative supports the development of Digital Connectivity Infrastructure.
New Delhi, May 14 (NationPress) The Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) has unveiled a draft manual aimed at evaluating property ratings to improve digital connectivity.
The rapid surge in digitalization over the past decade has transformed various sectors, influencing the economy, innovation, science, education, healthcare, sustainability, governance, and lifestyle.
According to the Ministry of Communications, digital technologies are fundamentally altering business models, institutions, and society.
This rating manual will facilitate a consistent assessment methodology by the Digital Connectivity Rating Agencies (DCRAs) for property ratings.
It will also serve as a standard reference for Property Managers (PMs) to develop Digital Connectivity Infrastructure (DCI) within their properties.
Properties will be assessed based on specific criteria outlined in the regulations, including fiber readiness, mobile network accessibility, in-building solutions, and Wi-Fi infrastructure, as well as service performance, as stated by TRAI.
Reports indicate that the majority of data consumption occurs within buildings, making in-building digital connectivity vital, especially for 4G and 5G networks, which utilize high-frequency bands for delivering rapid data rates but face attenuation from walls and construction materials.
To tackle challenges related to digital connectivity within buildings, TRAI has proposed recommendations to the government regarding the “Rating of Buildings or Areas for Digital Connectivity.”
These suggestions aim to foster an ecosystem for co-creation of Digital Connectivity Infrastructure (DCI) as part of development activities.
According to the Authority, “A property with superior ratings will attract more users, buyers, or investors, thereby enhancing its value.”
The rating manual is designed as a structured framework to ensure a fair, transparent, and standardized approach to assessing digital connectivity as per regulatory provisions.
A structured rating system allows prospective tenants and buyers to compare properties based on their connectivity ratings, ensuring they select locations with optimal digital infrastructure.