How is telecom regulator TRAI proposing to improve connectivity inside buildings? | Explained Premium

The Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) has proposed a rating system to assess digital connectivity and network capability in enclosed places, such as buildings and airports.

The story so far: Endeavouring to address issues related to coverage and quality inside buildings and civic facilities (such as airports and bus stations), the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) floated a consultation paper on September 27, proposing a rating system to assess network operability in the premises, to nudge property owners to “come forward and implement solutions to provide seamless digital connectivity in buildings.”

The regulator is seeking comments on the proposal until November 10 and counter-comments until November 24.

The chief objective is to improve connectivity inside enclosed quarters. To attain this, TRAI recognises the need for an ecosystem that would create a “competitive environment” among property managers to provide the best quality of digital connectivity. According to the regulator, ratings would impact the commercial decisions of prospective buyers and tenants, allowing them to make an informed choice— thereby bettering connectivity in these spaces.

The regulator also observes that unlike street level wireless coverage, thorough connectivity in buildings entails the collaboration of service providers with local administrators and/or property managers. Thus, a TSP would not be able to deliver the desired quality all alone. “Apart from the permissions, the property managers and TSPs need to collaborate right from the design stage to co-design and co-create digital connectivity infrastructure in new buildings or buildings under renovation,” the paper reads. Thus, the regulator notes the necessity to combine these entities, tools and marketplaces under one platform, to aid in speeding up the roll-out of digital connectivity infrastructure and carry out capacity augmentation whenever required. Further, this will also serve to identify and remove obstacles to facilitate smooth functioning of the market for benefit of all end users and stakeholders.

As TRAI notes, the exponential rise in demand for digital services requires frequent augmentation of network capacity. Even though issues related to digital connectivity infrastructure can be addressed when the infrastructure is initially laid, however, they reappear at each instance of expansion, upgradation or any related activity. Thus, issues have to be dealt with during the entire lifecycle and not only at the initial phase. Hence ratings, once accorded, would require renewal.

A star rating, between 1 to 5, would be accorded, ascertaining the scope and level of digital connectivity in the premises. The certification may be used for all further legal and marketing purposes. TRAI recommends that the rating be made mandatory for all existing and newer buildings of public importance within two years of the framework’s formalisation, or two years from obtaining occupancy certificate, whichever is later.

Buildings of public importance which would mandatorily fall under its purview include airports, ports, railway stations, metro stations, bus stations, industrial estates (including industrial parks, SEZs, multi-modal logistic parks), large commercial shopping complexes, higher education institutes and multi-speciality hospitals, among other places.