TRAI notifies new Property Rating System to improve digital connectivity across India

On 25-10-2024, the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (‘TRAI’) notified the Rating of Properties for Digital Connectivity Regulations, 2024 to improve the quality of digital connectivity within buildings across the country. The provisions came into force on 25-10-2024.

Key Points:

1. Applicability:

   • property managers who intend to get their property, of minimum specified size, rated for digital connectivity, either voluntarily or under the provisions of applicable laws, rules or regulations;

   • digital connectivity rating agencies;

   • the service providers, who enter an arrangement with the property manager for development or access of digital connectivity or digital connectivity infrastructure.

2. Categories of properties for evaluation and assessment of digital connectivity:

   • Category A:

     • Residential;

     • Government properties;

     • Commercial Establishments;

   • Category B:

     • Other private or public areas;

     • Stadiums or Spot Arenas or spaces of frequent gatherings;

     • Transport corridors.

3. Registration of Digital Connectivity Rating Agency:

   • Entity will have to make an application to TRAI for grant of registration on the rating platform;

   • An incomplete application or an application which does not conform to the eligibility criteria can be rejected by TRAI;

   • Before rejection, the applicant will be given 30 days to rectify the deficiency which can be extended to 60 days if TRAI consider appropriate;

4. Eligibility Criteria:

   • Is registered as a company under the Companies Act, 2013 or is a registered Limited Liability Partnership;

   • Has minimum 2 years of experience in setting up in-building solutions or assessment of quality of service of telecommunication networks or installation or maintenance of telecommunication networks;

   • Has adequate professional experience in telecom, civil and electrical domain, to the satisfaction of TRAI, to meet obligations under the regulations and the rating framework;

   • has a valid ISO certified quality management system in its organization or submits an undertaking to get it within 1 year of the grant of registration.

5. Conditions of registration of Digital Connectivity Rating Agency (‘DCRA’):

   • Where there is any change in the information or particulars after the DCRA has submitted the application for registration/ grant of registration, DCRA will have to inform TRAI of this change within 60 days;

   • Where DCRA has proposed a change in its management, TRAI has to intimated 15 days prior to date of effect of such change;