TRAI Pushes Rajasthan to Make Digital Connectivity Ratings Mandatory for Buildings
The Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) has informed the state of Rajasthan that the decision to mandate digital connectivity ratings for buildings rests solely with the state government and cannot be enforced by the regulator itself. In a statement issued on Tuesday, TRAI officials emphasized that digital connectivity is now a fundamental necessity, comparable to essential utilities like electricity and water, and that buildings with higher ratings offer superior connectivity for residents and users.
State Authority Over Building Byelaws
TRAI clarified that this matter falls under the purview of building byelaws, which are formulated and implemented by individual state governments. The regulator has formally written to the Chief Secretary of Rajasthan, urging the state to consider making such ratings compulsory. Tejpal Singh, Advisor for Quality of Service at TRAI headquarters in New Delhi, explained to The Times of India that a uniform national criterion for mandatory implementation is not feasible because each state has its own distinct building rules and regulations.
Framework for Hotels, Hospitals, and Residential Complexes
The proposed rating framework encompasses a wide range of structures, including hotels, hospitals, residential complexes, and government buildings. TRAI highlighted that in contemporary architecture, consumers increasingly demand facilities for automation—such as lighting, air-conditioning, curtains, motion sensors, and surveillance systems—making robust digital connectivity an essential requirement. "If there is a rating in place for buildings for digital connectivity, consumers will be able to judge if the building is suitable for their needs," stated TRAI in its communication.
Key Components of the Rating System
A crucial element of the rating framework is the availability of services from all four major telecom service providers: Reliance Jio, Bharti Airtel, Vodafone Idea, and Bharat Sanchar Nigam Limited (BSNL). Buildings that ensure access to these providers receive improved ratings, thereby offering consumers greater choice and flexibility. Despite these incentives, the initiative has seen limited uptake in Rajasthan thus far.
To date, only one building—the Rajasthan International Centre in Jaipur—has applied for the digital connectivity rating. Officials confirmed that its audit is currently in progress, involving a comprehensive assessment of signal coverage and infrastructure, with particular attention to areas like basements. Approximately 20 empanelled private and government agencies are available to conduct these audits under the established framework.
Voluntary Adoption and Marketing Advantages
In the absence of mandatory provisions, TRAI is actively encouraging builders and developers to adopt the rating system on a voluntary basis. Rajesh Kumar Agerwal, Advisor and Regional Head at TRAI's Jaipur office, pointed out that such ratings could serve as a significant marketing advantage for real estate projects. "Builders and developers can promote their projects by highlighting that they offer the best digital connectivity with a 5-star rating. Consumers will also benefit from having multiple service providers available, ensuring an optimal experience in these top-rated buildings," Agerwal elaborated.
He further noted that while the Jaipur Municipal Corporation has incorporated internet connectivity infrastructure into its byelaws, it has not made it compulsory. Instead, builders are required to submit an affidavit committing to provide such infrastructure, reflecting a step toward integration without enforcement.
