The Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) has reportedly received applications from five entities interested in becoming Digital Connectivity Rating Agencies (DCRAs), which will be responsible for evaluating buildings under the regulator’s upcoming star-rating system for digital infrastructure. The first round of empanelment is expected to begin as early as this month, as TRAI pushes to launch the new system soon.
The proposed framework will assess both new and existing buildings based on their digital connectivity infrastructure, similar to how green buildings or energy-efficient properties are rated. TRAI has already begun receiving enquiries from developers and property owners interested in obtaining a digital connectivity rating.
Further, TRAI is developing a dedicated digital platform and final ratings will be published on the regulator’s website, making them accessible to buyers, tenants, and the public.
Furthermore, TRAI expects that the new rating system will incentivise builders to install better telecom and internet infrastructure during construction. It also aims to encourage retrofitting of older buildings to improve their digital readiness, especially as high-speed internet becomes a basic necessity in homes and workplaces.
