New Delhi : The Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) has released the ‘Rating of Properties for Digital Connectivity (Amendment) Regulations, 2026’, introducing several changes aimed at improving the assessment and adoption of digital connectivity infrastructure across residential and commercial properties. The amended regulations came into effect on May 13, 2026.
The amendments follow stakeholder consultations and implementation feedback received after the rollout of the original Digital Connectivity Rating Regulations, 2024. TRAI said inputs were received from property managers, Digital Connectivity Rating Agencies (DCRAs), telecom service providers and other stakeholders on issues related to rating differentiation, assessment of under-construction properties and digital connectivity audits.
One of the key changes introduced is the expansion of the property rating framework from five levels to nine levels through the addition of half-star ratings. According to TRAI, the move will allow better differentiation between properties and provide greater visibility into improvements in digital connectivity infrastructure and service quality.
The amended regulations also allow under-construction properties to apply for digital connectivity ratings. Under the revised framework, DCRAs will assess digital connectivity infrastructure at different stages, including design approval, infrastructure installation and final operational readiness. Certificates such as ‘Designed For’ and ‘Installation Completed For’ will be issued before the final rating is awarded after services become operational.
TRAI said the phased assessment mechanism is expected to improve transparency for homebuyers and encourage developers to integrate digital connectivity infrastructure at the design stage itself.
Another major change is the introduction of an optional Digital Connectivity Audit mechanism for existing properties. Property managers can now engage registered DCRAs to assess the status of digital connectivity infrastructure and identify gaps before applying for formal ratings. The audit report will provide recommendations for improvement and support wider adoption of the rating framework.
The regulator has also strengthened the Code of Conduct for DCRAs to ensure greater transparency and independence in assessments. It clarified that DCRAs involved in providing digital connectivity infrastructure services will not be allowed to assess properties where another DCRA has installed the infrastructure.
In addition, TRAI has aligned references in the regulations with the newly issued National Building Construction Standards (NBCS), 2026, replacing earlier references to the National Building Code (NBC), 2016.
The amended regulations will apply to property managers, DCRAs, In-Building Solution providers and telecom service providers involved in integrating telecom infrastructure within properties.
TRAI said the revised framework is aimed at strengthening implementation, improving transparency and promoting future-ready, robust and non-discriminatory digital connectivity infrastructure across properties in the country.
The amendments to the Regulations have been placed on TRAI’s website (www.trai.gov.in) and shall come into force with effect from 13th May 2026.
For additional queries, please contact: Shri Tejpal Singh, Advisor (QoS-1)
E-mail: adv-qos1@trai.gov.in | Tel: +91-11-20907759