The Telecom Regulatory Authority of India has released the ‘Rating of Properties for Digital Connectivity (Amendment) Regulations, 2026 (3 of 2026)’ on May 13, 2026. The amendments have come into force with immediate effect.
TRAI has earlier issued a consultation paper on February 27, 2026, seeking stakeholder feedback on proposed amendments to the Rating of Properties for Digital Connectivity Regulations, 2024 and the Rating Manual. The authority has incorporated revisions based on stakeholder consultations, implementation experience and feedback received from property managers, Digital Connectivity Rating Agencies (DCRAs), service providers and other stakeholders.
The regulator has expanded the existing digital connectivity rating scale from five levels to nine levels by introducing additional half-star categories. The revised framework has aimed to improve differentiation among properties and provide consumers with clearer comparisons based on digital connectivity infrastructure and service quality.
TRAI has also made under-construction residential and commercial properties eligible for digital connectivity ratings through a phased assessment mechanism. Under the revised process, DCRAs have been allowed to evaluate digital connectivity infrastructure at the design stage, construction completion stage and final operational stage before issuing the final rating.
The amendments have also refined the categorisation of property types to align assessment methodologies with actual usage characteristics and connectivity requirements.
Further, TRAI has introduced an Optional Digital Connectivity Audit mechanism for existing properties. Under this framework, property managers have been allowed to assess existing digital connectivity infrastructure, identify gaps and undertake improvements before applying for formal ratings.
The authority has also revised the Code of Conduct for DCRAs to strengthen transparency and independence in assessments. It has clarified that DCRAs involved in providing Digital Connectivity Infrastructure (DCI) will not be permitted to assess properties where another DCRA has provided DCI services.
In addition, TRAI has updated references from the National Building Code (NBC)-2016 to the newly issued National Building Construction Standards (NBCS), 2026 by the Bureau of Indian Standards.
The amended regulations have applied to property managers seeking digital connectivity ratings or audits, DCRAs, In-Building Solution providers and telecom service providers integrating their networks with property-level digital communication infrastructure.
TRAI has stated that the revised Rating Manual incorporating these amendments and refinements will also be published on its website.
