As per industry sources, the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) is likely to come up with a consultation paper to discuss non-discriminatory and mandatory deployment of telecom infrastructure within building premises to effectively address right of way (RoW) issues particularly related to in-building solutions (IBS) including optical fibre cable.
The consultation process will reportedly advocate ratings of buildings based on their readiness for appropriate digital connectivity and inside coverage, indicating a need for certain modifications in the Real Estate Regulatory Authority (RERA) or the Real Estate (Regulation and Development) Act, 2016, and urban development framework.
There have been restrictive access to private and public premises to deploy telecom infrastructure following the quality of service (QoS) concerns. To this end, TRAI is eyeing to bring in a regime for non-discriminatory entry of multiple telecom service operators, providing fair and reasonable access to localised inhabitants.
Earlier, in November 2016, the Department of Telecommunications (DoT) came out with right-of-way (RoW) rules that called for a nationwide uniform policy, one-time nominal administrative fee, and deemed approval within a 60-day period. Further, in October 2021, the centre amended the Indian Telegraph Right of Way rules to incorporate the provisions for one-time fee and uniform procedure for deploying overhead optic fibre cable with a cap of Rs 1,000 per kilometre.
The new proposed paper will seek ratings of buildings based on availability of ducts, and appropriate space for IBS, and would also seek stakeholders’ suggestions on whether such a framework is needed for older buildings on a voluntary basis.
