The Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) has released the amended ‘Rating Manual 2026’ for assessment of Digital Connectivity under amended ‘Rating of Properties for Digital Connectivity Regulations, 2024’.
TRAI had notified the ‘Rating of Properties for Digital Connectivity Regulations 2024’ on October 25, 2024. This regulation aims to address the challenges faced by consumers in availing good digital connectivity inside buildings through a collaborative and self-sustainable approach.
Subsequently, TRAI released the ‘Rating Manual’ on August 13, 2025 for assessment of digital connectivity, as a guideline. The rating manual served as a structured framework designed to ensure a fair, transparent, and standardised approach to assessing digital connectivity under the provisions of the regulation. This document provided a comprehensive guide for all stakeholders involved in implementation and assessment of digital connectivity in properties and areas, including digital connectivity rating agency (DCRA), property manager (PM) and service providers.
During awareness sessions and workshops conducted for better understanding of the ‘Regulation’ and the methodology specified in the ‘Rating Manual’ for assessment of digital connectivity, it was observed that few areas required review to provide additional clarity and refinement.
Accordingly, TRAI released a consultation paper on ‘Review of the Rating of Properties for Digital Connectivity regulations, 2024 (7 of 2024)’ on February 27, 2026 proposing revision of few aspects of the present regulation.
In response to the consultation paper, TRAI received comments and feedback from the stakeholders. Based on the internal analysis and discussion on the comments of stakeholders, TRAI made amendments in the regulation and notified ‘Rating of Properties for Digital Connectivity (Amendment) Regulations, 2026 (3 of 2026)’ on May 13, 2026. Subsequently, to incorporate the amended provisions of regulations, in previous rating manual, TRAI has released amended ‘Rating Manual 2026’.
The major changes introduced in the amended ‘Rating Manual 2026’ to keep it aligned with the amended regulations are as under: –
- Introduction of a structured multi-stage assessment and certification framework for under-construction properties.
- Provision for optional digital connectivity audit to facilitate assessment and improvement of digital connectivity infrastructure in properties.
- Requisite flexibility in power infrastructure assessment while maintaining reliability requirements.
- Wider definition of monitoring framework permitting centralised monitoring systems beyond conventional building management systems (BMS).
- Adoption of a technology-neutral approach by permitting both fibre and wireless backhaul solutions.
- Standardisation of service performance assessment through a TRAI-designated testing application.
- Introduction of a defined sampling methodology for assessment of non-public areas.
- Alignment with the latest ‘National Building Construction Standards (NBCS)’, 2026.
