Telcos, realty firms clash over digital rating for buildings

Bodies representing telcos and developers have locked horns over maintenance of the infra

- Jatin Grover

A pitched battle has ensued between telecom operators and real estate developers over who should pay to get digital infrastructure in buildings rated and maintained, against the backdrop of a new digital connectivity rating system being prepared by India's telecom regulator.

The Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (Trai) is working on a framework where a standard method to evaluate digital connectivity inside properties—aimed at ensuring strong indoor mobile and internet signals—will be notified. Last month, Trai released for consultation a draft manual for Assessment of Digital Connectivity under Rating of Properties for Digital Connectivity Regulations, 2024.

Telcos, represented by the Cellular Operators Association of India (COAI), argue that property managers—read: real estate developers and owners—should bear the full cost and compliance burden, including maintenance and obtaining the building rating. On the other hand, real estate companies, represented by Asia Pacific Real Assets Association (Aprea), have asked Trai to remove these responsibilities from their scope, saying the infrastructure should be owned, operated, and maintained by the digital connectivity infrastructure providers themselves.