The Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) released the "Rating of Properties for Digital Connectivity Regulations, 2024". The regulations is in force with effect from 25th October 2024. Digital Connectivity: An Essential Service These regulations are being notified to encourage property managers for providing good digital connectivity experience to their existing and prospective customers. A property with better ratings shall attract more users, buyers or investors and thereby add value to the properties. Salient features of the Regulations A Rating platform, an information technology system and associated applications shall be set up or authorized by the TRAI for the purpose of managing rating of properties for digital connectivity as per provisions of the regulations The rating process shall be implemented through the rating platform only. Any entity fulfilling the eligibility criteria intending to commence activity as Digital Connectivity Rating Agency (DCRA) shall be empanelled by the Authority through registration on the rating platform. Property manager, who intends to apply for the rating of his/her property of minimum specified size, shall register on the rating platform, in such manner and format and upon payment of such fees, as may be specified by the Authority. The properties, for the purpose of rating for digital connectivity, are classified in the different categories namely- Residential, Government Properties, Commercial Establishments, Other private or public areas, Stadiums or Sport Arenas or spaces of frequent gathering and Transport corridors. The DCRA shall disclose the fee to be charged and other terms and conditions, if any, to the property manager and get their acceptance before commencement of any rating activity. The fees charged by DCRA shall be based on the category and classification of properties, the responsibility of DCRA under the provisions of these regulations, the complexity involved, the area of the property, etc. No telecom service provider shall enter into an exclusive arrangement or tie-up arrangement with any property manager for development or access of digital connectivity or digital connectivity infrastructure in their property. For the purposes of rating for digital connectivity, Model Building Bye Laws (MBBL) issued by Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs (MoHUA) shall be referred to in cases where MBBL of State or Union Territory do not have provisions for digital connectivity infrastructure. DCRA shall evaluate the property and assign scores, on the rating platform, against each rating criteria and sub-criteria. Digital Connectivity Rating shall be awarded to the property starting from one star to five star. The detailed guidelines for award of score and process shall be issued separately as per provisions of these regulations. The Authority shall notify the date on which the rating platform shall be made live. Further, the Authority may, till the development of online rating platform, provide an alternate mechanism for rating of property. Scope of the regulations The regulations shall apply to - Property Managers who intend to get their property, of minimum specified size, rated for digital connectivity, either voluntarily or under the provisions of applicable laws, rules or regulations. Digital Connectivity Rating Agency (DCRA), who may evaluate and award ratings for property under these regulations; and The service providers, who may enter an arrangement with the property manager for development or access of digital connectivity or digital connectivity infrastructure. Source : TRAI