TRAI Workshop on “Regulation on Rating of Properties for Digital Connectivity”
The TRAI workshop focused on enhancing in-building digital connectivity within urban areas, emphasizing its importance despite mobile data consumption percentages in residential and commercial spaces at 70-80%. The session highlighted the impact of building materials (e.g., steel and concrete) on high-frequency internet bands, which attenuate signals in these materials compared to lower frequency bands.
Key Takeaways:
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Necessity of In-Building Digital Connectivity: Despite mobile data use, DCI is essential for urban development, especially within buildings, which are increasingly central to public spaces and energy efficiency.
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Regulatory Frameworks and Collaboration: TRAI has introduced a rating framework (issued on October 25, 2024) in their workshop, aiming to provide consumers with informed choices. This framework will also support property managers in reviewing ratings upon significant service improvements.
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Initial Steps with DCRAs: TRAI has started empanelling or registering DCRAs, indicating progress towards standardizing DCI ratings across properties. These ratings facilitate transparency and efficiency for consumers and stakeholders.
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Q&A Session Insights: The workshop included a Q&A session where participants explored the regulatory framework’s benefits, such as providing a standard reference and improving service quality through reviews.
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Collaborative Approach: The workshop underscored the need for collaboration between states and UTS in developing DCI initiatives, highlighting the role of developers and property owners in enhancing connectivity within urban areas.
Conclusion: The workshop underscores TRAI’s commitment to fostering a collaborative environment for enhancing digital infrastructure in urban settings. By addressing technical challenges and discussing regulatory frameworks, participants are expected to work toward creating efficient, energy-conscious, and privacy-abiding DCI systems across cities.