Key Points
- TRAI expands property digital connectivity rating scale from five to nine levels
- Under-construction properties can now obtain provisional connectivity certificates
- New optional audit mechanism lets existing buildings assess infrastructure before formal rating
The Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) has expanded its property digital connectivity rating framework from five levels to nine, introducing half-star gradations that will help buyers and tenants make more informed comparisons between buildings.
The amendments, notified on 13 May 2026, refine the Rating of Properties for Digital Connectivity Regulations first issued in 2024. TRAI said the changes follow stakeholder feedback received during implementation, including inputs from property managers, Digital Connectivity Rating Agencies (DCRAs) — bodies authorised to assess and certify buildings — and telecom service providers.
The revised framework introduces additional half-star levels to the existing rating scale. A building that previously would have received three stars can now be rated at 3.5 stars if its connectivity infrastructure exceeds the three-star threshold but falls short of four stars.
TRAI said this refinement will provide greater visibility to incremental improvements in digital connectivity infrastructure and help consumers distinguish between properties with similar but not identical connectivity capabilities.
Under-construction properties eligible for provisional ratings
A significant change allows buildings still under construction to obtain provisional connectivity certificates. This addresses a gap identified during stakeholder consultations — a large proportion of residential and commercial properties in India are marketed and sold during the construction phase itself, before buyers can assess the actual connectivity infrastructure.
Under the revised framework, DCRAs will evaluate design-stage digital connectivity infrastructure (DCI) — the network of cables, ducts and equipment spaces planned for a building — based on approved design documents. The agency will then issue an evaluation report along with a ‘Designed For’ certificate indicating the planned connectivity level.
Upon completion of construction and installation of In-Building Solutions (IBS) — the internal network equipment that enables mobile and broadband signals throughout a building — the DCRA will issue an ‘Installation Completed For’ certificate. The final rating will be awarded only after digital connectivity services become operational.
TRAI said these measures are expected to improve transparency during the construction phase and strengthen accountability between design commitments and actual implementation.
Optional audit for existing buildings
The amendments introduce an optional Digital Connectivity Audit mechanism for existing properties. This allows building managers to engage a registered DCRA to assess their current infrastructure without entering the formal rating process. The audit report will provide a sub-criteria-wise assessment of existing digital connectivity infrastructure along with areas requiring improvement.
TRAI said this mechanism is intended for property managers who wish to identify gaps and undertake improvements before applying for a formal rating.
The regulations also refine the categorisation of certain property types to improve alignment between building usage characteristics and applicable assessment methodologies.
Your Questions, Answered
What has changed in TRAI's property digital connectivity rating system?
TRAI has expanded the rating scale from five levels to nine by introducing half-star gradations. This allows finer differentiation between properties with similar but not identical connectivity infrastructure.
Can under-construction buildings now get connectivity ratings?
Yes. Under the amended regulations, buildings under construction can obtain provisional 'Designed For' and 'Installation Completed For' certificates before the final rating is awarded when services become operational.
What is the optional Digital Connectivity Audit?
It is a new mechanism allowing existing building managers to assess their current connectivity infrastructure through a registered DCRA without entering the formal rating process, helping them identify gaps before applying for a formal rating.
What is a Digital Connectivity Rating Agency?
A DCRA is a body authorised by TRAI to assess and certify the digital connectivity infrastructure of buildings, including mobile signal coverage, broadband availability and in-building network equipment.
