Nearly 70 to 80 percent of India’s mobile data traffic is consumed indoors, yet significant coverage gaps persist in many premises, Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) Chairperson Anil Kumar Lahoti said on Monday. Highlighting the importance of seamless connectivity in the era of advanced technologies like 5G, Lahoti emphasized the need to integrate Digital Connectivity Infrastructure (DCI) into core infrastructure planning at par with electricity and water supply. Elements such as fibre entry, ducting, cable trays, rooftop access, Wi-Fi readiness, and resilience should be systematically planned to ensure robust indoor connectivity.
TRAI Rolls Out Property Rating System to Bridge Indoor Connectivity Gaps
To address these challenges, TRAI has introduced the Regulations, 2024, which establish a voluntary star-rating system for properties based on their digital connectivity readiness. On August 13, 2025, TRAI also released the Manual for Assessment of Digital Connectivity to serve as a guide for evaluations. Lahoti informed that TRAI has already registered eight Digital Connectivity Rating Agencies (DCRAs) to operationalize this framework, with several more applications under review. The initiative is expected to bring greater accountability and awareness in real estate and infrastructure planning, helping bridge digital gaps in the country.
The announcements came during an online interactive session on the Framework for Rating of Properties on Digital Connectivity, jointly organized by TRAI and the Forum of Indian Regulators (FoIR). The session saw participation from FoIR members and senior representatives of various regulatory bodies including the Insolvency and Bankruptcy Board of India (IBBI), Central Electricity Regulatory Commission (CERC), Petroleum and Natural Gas Regulatory Board (PNGRB), Competition Commission of India (CCI), State Electricity Regulatory Commissions (SERCs), and the Airports Economic Regulatory Authority of India (AERA).
TRAI Pushes Wider Adoption of Connectivity Framework Under Digital India, Smart Cities Mission
Over 80 senior officers attended, exchanging views on mainstreaming digital infrastructure across sectors. FoIR Honorary Chairperson and IBBI Chairman Ravi Mital commended TRAI’s initiative, stressing that digital connectivity has become foundational for finance, education, transport, housing, and healthcare. He also underlined the importance of cross-sectoral collaboration to embed digital readiness into governance frameworks. The engagement is part of TRAI’s wider outreach to promote adoption of its framework in line with Digital India and the Smart Cities Mission.
Summary:
TRAI highlighted indoor connectivity gaps despite 70–80% of India’s data use occurring indoors. To address this, it launched the 2024 Regulations with a star-rating system for properties. Eight rating agencies are onboarded, promoting accountability, cross-sector collaboration, and adoption under Digital India and Smart Cities Mission to strengthen digital infrastructure.
