TRAI Conducts Workshop for Central Government Ministries on Framework
The Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) hosted a significant workshop today at its headquarters in New Delhi, focusing on the newly introduced Framework for Rating of Properties for Digital Connectivity. The event gathered approximately 100 senior officials from various central government ministries, the Bureau of Indian Standards, and other key infrastructure agencies. The primary objective was to raise awareness about the importance of integrating digital connectivity into property development plans and to encourage the adoption of the Rating of Properties for Digital Connectivity Regulations, 2024.
Workshop Objectives and Framework Overview
The workshop aimed to emphasize the critical role of digital connectivity infrastructure in property and infrastructure development. TRAI’s new regulations, announced on October 25, 2024, introduce a voluntary star rating system that assesses the digital readiness of various properties, including residential buildings, commercial complexes, and public infrastructure like airports and railway stations. This performance-based rating system is designed to be similar to existing green building and energy efficiency ratings, providing a clear framework for evaluating how well properties can support high-quality broadband and mobile connectivity.
The initiative seeks to ensure that digital connectivity is not an afterthought but a fundamental aspect of the design and planning process. By promoting this framework, TRAI aims to facilitate a more systematic approach to integrating digital infrastructure into the built environment, ultimately enhancing connectivity for all users.
Inaugural Address Highlights
During the workshop, TRAI Chairperson Shri Anil Kumar Lahoti delivered an inaugural address underscoring the necessity of robust digital connectivity. He pointed out that a significant portion of mobile data traffic—estimated at 70-80%—is consumed indoors, making effective digital infrastructure as vital as water and electricity. Lahoti stressed the importance of planning Digital Connectivity Infrastructure (DCI) from the outset of any development project, rather than retrofitting it later.
He also noted that the new rating framework offers a transparent and technology-neutral approach for various stakeholders, including property developers and government agencies. This framework is intended to guide the planning, implementation, and evaluation of digital connectivity across different types of premises, such as homes, offices, schools, and transport hubs. Lahoti urged all relevant ministries and institutions to incorporate DCI requirements into their project guidelines and training programs to ensure that India’s infrastructure is prepared for future demands.
Technical Sessions and Key Discussions
The workshop included a technical session led by Shri Tejpal Singh, Advisor (QoS-1) at TRAI. He provided an in-depth presentation on the Rating of Properties for Digital Connectivity Regulations, 2024, along with a manual designed for registered Digital Connectivity Rating Agencies (DCRAs), property managers, and architects. Participants learned about essential rating parameters, including indoor signal strength, fibre entry points, and readiness for advanced technologies like Wi-Fi and 5G.
Additionally, Shri Abhishek Sharma from the Bureau of Indian Standards discussed proposed revisions to the National Building Code (NBC) 2016, focusing on the integration of Information and Communication Enabled Installations. This discussion highlighted the need to align building standards with the evolving requirements of telecommunications infrastructure.
The workshop also featured interactive discussions and a Q&A session, allowing senior officials and technical experts to share insights on addressing indoor connectivity challenges and ensuring consistent quality in digital infrastructure.
Future Engagement and National Goals
The framework introduced at the workshop aligns with national initiatives such as Digital India and the Smart Cities Mission, which aim to provide inclusive and high-quality digital access to all citizens. TRAI plans to continue engaging stakeholders through similar workshops, consultations, and capacity-building initiatives to foster the development of robust digital connectivity infrastructure across the country.
By promoting these efforts, TRAI seeks to ensure that India’s built environment is not only equipped for current digital demands but is also prepared for future technological advancements. The commitment to enhancing digital connectivity is a crucial step toward achieving a more connected and technologically advanced society.
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