The Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRA) proposes to embed the development of Digital Connectivity Infrastructure (DCI) as an integral part of basic infrastructure for buildings. The Authority notes that the convergence of the Internet of Things (IoT) with building operations and the future of the workplace will enable a significant opportunity for building owners, operators, and occupants to create smart, digitally connected spaces to support the end users, a positive step towards a digitally empowered nation. 

The authority also acknowledges the universal role of network connectivity in facilitating India’s exponential growth in digitalization across the sector, ranging from the economy, innovation, science, and education to health, sustainability, governance, and lifestyle. The authority has issued it in the back reference dated 19.03.2025 received from the Department of Telecommunications (DoT) in respect of the TRAI's recommendations dated 20.02.2023 on "Recommendations on Rating of Buildings or Areas for Digital Connectivity."

It will be an extremely important positive step towards achieving the reality of connected and smart homes, enabling a seamless connectivity experience for the users. 

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Existing Challenges

Some local bodies and authorities are responsible for enforcing the relevant Acts, by-laws, and regulations prescribing minimum or essential requirements for building services like water, electricity, etc, by granting approvals at various stages of the construction.  Model Building By-Laws (MBBL) published by the Town and Country Planning Organisation (TCPO) under the Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs (MoHUA) contains the provisions for all building services. States adopt the provisions of the MBBL in their respective State by-laws for building development-related activities.

Additionally, digital connectivity meeting the expectations of end users is not a one-time exercise. It requires regular expansion and upgradation of already laid-out infrastructure to cater to increasing demand, and requires frequent augmentation of network capacity.

Solution 

The Authority recommends that the Model Building Bye-Laws (MBBL) and National Building Code of India (NBC) be amended to incorporate necessary provisions on Digital Connectivity Infrastructure (DCI) as recommended in the previous exchange.

The authority goes on to recommend that the provisions mandating DCI inside buildings, its maintenance, timely upgradation, etc., should be incorporated in the builder-buyer agreement to cover it under the jurisdiction of the RERA Act and ensure its enforceability by the RERA, along with other quality, standard, and ownership guidelines. 

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Opportunity 

As per the survey by the regulatory body, business leaders are increasingly interested in creating a strategy for managing their buildings that reflects the digital transformation taking place throughout their business. As a result, businesses that implement these strategies may outpace their competitors in key areas such as attracting and retaining employees, saving on operating costs, and mitigating operational risks. 

Beyond workspaces, such infrastructure would increase the value of any piece of real estate, making it more attractive and desirable among buyers.