TRAI Hosts Workshop for Senior Officers on Connectivity
As mobile data consumption increasingly shifts indoors, the need for robust digital connectivity has never been more critical. Recent studies indicate that 70-80% of mobile data usage occurs within buildings, highlighting the importance of effective in-building digital infrastructure. A workshop led by Shri Anil Kumar Lahoti, Chairman of the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI), gathered over 125 participants, including senior officials from various states and union territories, to discuss strategies for enhancing digital connectivity in urban environments.
Workshop Highlights and Objectives
The workshop, chaired by TRAI Chairman Shri Anil Kumar Lahoti, aimed to address the growing demand for digital connectivity within buildings. With the rapid advancement of 4G and 5G technologies, high-frequency bands are increasingly used to deliver faster internet speeds. However, these frequencies face significant attenuation from building materials like steel and concrete, making effective digital infrastructure essential. The event attracted a diverse audience, including senior officers from housing, urban development, and IT departments across states and union territories, reflecting the widespread interest in improving digital connectivity.
During his opening remarks, Lahoti emphasized the crucial role that state governments and union territories can play in fostering collaboration between property developers and telecom service providers. By integrating digital connectivity infrastructure (DCI) into building regulations, stakeholders can ensure that new developments meet the growing demands of digital users. TRAI’s proposed star rating system for properties, akin to existing green building ratings, aims to provide a standardized measure of digital connectivity quality.
Regulatory Framework and Rating System
The workshop also introduced the โRegulation on Rating of Properties for Digital Connectivity, 2024,โ which was issued by TRAI on October 25, 2024. This regulation outlines the framework for assessing and rating properties based on their digital connectivity capabilities. The session provided an overview of the National Building Code (NBC) and Model Building By-Laws (MBBL), which include provisions for digital communication infrastructure.
Participants learned about the rating process, which will evaluate properties throughout their lifecycle. This continuous assessment will allow for real-time updates to connectivity ratings, ensuring that they reflect the current state of digital infrastructure. The introduction of Digital Connectivity Rating Agencies (DCRAs) will further support this initiative by providing independent evaluations of properties.
Impact on Consumers and Property Managers
The implementation of a standardized rating system for digital connectivity is expected to empower consumers in their property decisions. By providing clear and uniform standards, potential buyers and tenants can make informed choices when selecting residential or commercial spaces. The rating framework will also enhance the quality of experience in public buildings, ensuring that users have access to reliable digital services.
Under the new regulations, consumers will have the right to request a review of connectivity ratings if they experience a decline in service quality. Similarly, property managers can seek re-evaluation if they make significant improvements to their digital infrastructure. This dynamic approach to rating will encourage ongoing enhancements in digital connectivity across the country.
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