India rolls out standardised framework to assess buildings' digital connectivity

Newly released manual part of realising 'Digital India' vision.

India's Manual for Rating of Properties for Digital Connectivity is now out, as part of the country's ongoing digital empowerment.

Issued by the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI), the manual is the country's first standardised framework designed to assess how future-ready and equipped properties are in terms of facilitating digital access.

TRAI noted: "With more than 80% of mobile data consumed indoors, and high frequency band signals of 4G and 5G often weakened by modern day building materials, robust in-building networks have become essential for work, education, healthcare, and daily digital services.

"Weak indoor connectivity directly affects consumer experience and overall quality of service."

With the manual, digital connectivity rating agencies in India will have a uniform assessment methodology that spans areas like broadband speeds and fibre readiness.

Developers, property managers, and service providers can also refer to the framework when working with digital infrastructure, while buyers or tenants can use the ratings when considering properties.

TRAI Chairman Shri Anil Kumar Lahoti commented: "In the 21st century, digital connectivity is not a luxury – it is essential infrastructure, just like electricity or water.

"Today, it powers growth, innovation, and opportunity. This framework is a decisive step towards making every building in India ready for the Digital India vision, enabling more citizens to participate fully in our connected economy and laying the foundation for inclusive national growth."

Launched a decade ago, Digital India is a flagship government programme aimed at transforming the country into a digitally empowered society and knowledge economy.