TRAI Releases Updated Rating Manual for Digital Connectivity Assessment in Buildings

The Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) has issued the amended Rating Manual 2026 for the evaluation of digital connectivity infrastructure in buildings. The framework has been aligned with the recently notified Rating of Properties for Digital Connectivity (Amendment) Regulations, 2026.

The updated manual is effective immediately and introduces a range of structural and technical changes to improve the assessment and certification of digital connectivity readiness in residential, commercial and mixed-use properties.

The TRAI’s efforts to create a standardised digital connectivity rating framework started in October 2024, when it introduced regulations to tackle persistent indoor connectivity challenges by involving telecom service providers, property developers, facility managers and rating agencies.

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The initiative was further strengthened in August 2025 with the publication of the first Rating Manual, which includes operational guidelines for implementing the framework.

After industry consultations, stakeholder workshops and a consultation paper in February 2026, TRAI amended the regulations on May 13, 2026, paving the way for the release of the revised manual.

The new Rating Manual 2026 has brought in a phased assessment and certification process for under-construction properties with digital connectivity requirements being assessed at different stages of project development.

It also establishes an Optional Digital Connectivity Audit for operational properties, allowing building owners and managers to assess existing infrastructure and pinpoint areas for enhancement.

Technical Updates: 

The new framework takes a technology neutral approach for connectivity infrastructure with the choice of fibre-based or wireless backhaul solutions.

TRAI has also expanded the scope of monitoring framework by allowing the centralised monitoring systems beyond the conventional Building Management Systems (BMS), and at the same time allowing greater flexibility in the power infrastructure requirements without diluting reliability standards.

Further, the network performance testing would be standardised through an application to be designated by TRAI with a defined sampling methodology for non-public areas inside buildings.

The manual is also aligned with the latest National Building Construction Standards (NBCS), 2026, to be in line with broader building infrastructure requirements.

The new framework is expected to provide greater clarity for developers, telecom operators, infrastructure providers and rating agencies engaged in the design and assessment of digitally connected buildings.

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Industry Significance: 

With demand for reliable indoor mobile and broadband connectivity on the rise, the revised guidelines aim to promote better planning and deployment of digital infrastructure in both the construction and operational stages.

The complete amended Rating Manual 2026 is available on TRAI’s official website and shall come into force immediately, TRAI said.