‘Up to states to mandate digital connectivity ratings for bldgs’

Jaipur: Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) has told Rajasthan that making digital connectivity ratings mandatory for buildings is a state govt decision and cannot be enforced by the regulator.Calling digital connectivity a basic necessity like electricity and water, TRAI officials said Tuesday that better-rated buildings offer stronger connectivity. The proposed framework covers hotels, hospitals, residential complexes and govt buildings."In modern buildings, people demand from architects facilities for automation for lighting, air-conditioning, curtains, sensor movement, and for survillance, the need for better digital connectivity is now becoming necessity for the consumers. If there is a rating in place for buildings for digital connectivity, the consumers will judge if the building is suitable for them," said TRAI.TRAI said the matter falls under building byelaws framed by state govts and has written to the Rajasthan chief secretary, urging the state to consider making such ratings mandatory.Tejpal Singh, advisor (Quality of Service), TRAI headquarters, New Delhi, told TOI there can be no uniform national criterion for mandatory implementation because each state has its own building rules.A key part of the rating framework is the availability of services from all four telecom service providers- Reliance Jio, Bharti Airtel, Vodafone Idea, and Bharat Sanchar Nigam Limited (BSNL)-in a building, which improves the rating and gives consumers more choice.The initiative has yet to gain traction in Rajasthan. So far, only one building — Rajasthan International Centre in Jaipur — has applied for the rating. Officials said its audit is underway, including an assessment of signal coverage and infrastructure, especially in basements. Around 20 empanelled private and government agencies are available to conduct audits under the digital connectivity rating framework.With no mandatory provision in place, TRAI is encouraging builders and developers to adopt the rating voluntarily. Rajesh Kumar Agerwal, advisor and regional head, TRAI regional office, Jaipur, said the rating could become a marketing advantage for real estate projects."Builders and developers can promote their projects while marketing by saying they have the best digital connectivity with a 5-star rating. Consumers will also have the choice of service providers, as in such 5-star rated buildings all service providers are made available for the best experience," Agerwal said.Agerwal added that Jaipur Municipal Corporation has included internet connectivity infrastructure in its byelaws, but has not made it mandatory. Builders are required to submit an affidavit promising to provide such infrastructure.