Know the network before buying a home: TRAI launches digital connectivity rating platform..
If you are planning to buy or rent a new home or office, you will now be able to access information about the mobile network and internet connectivity of that location in advance. The Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) launched the Digital Connectivity Rating (DCR) platform on Friday. Its objective is to provide consumers with reliable and transparent information regarding the digital connectivity of a property. According to TRAI, a mobile app has also been launched alongside the platform to assess digital connectivity, thereby simplifying the property rating process.
What is Digital Connectivity Rating?
DCR, or Digital Connectivity Rating, is a system designed to assess and rate the digital connectivity of a property. Consumers will be able to view the ratings of officially rated properties and understand the status of network and internet connectivity before buying or renting a home, office, or other property.
TRAI has developed a framework for this under the 'Rating of Properties for Digital Connectivity Regulation, 2024'. The Authority has also released a rating manual for this purpose.
How can one view the property rating?
Rated properties can be searched on the DCR platform using their name, certificate ID, or location. Users will also be able to view the digitally signed rating certificate for the respective property.
The authenticity of the certificate can be verified by scanning the QR code printed on it. This will assist buyers or tenants in verifying information related to the property's digital connectivity.
Why is this platform useful before buying a home?
In today's world, good connectivity for mobile calls, the internet, and online services within a home or office is crucial. TRAI states that making digital connectivity ratings public and providing a facility to verify certificates will enable consumers to access reliable and comparative information. This will enable people to make better decisions when choosing homes and offices that offer superior connectivity for calling, downloading, and online services.
According to TRAI Chairman Anil Kumar Lahoti, this system will help people understand the importance of the digital connectivity infrastructure developed within a property. It will also encourage property developers and management entities to incorporate digital connectivity features right from the initial stages of a project.
In this entire process, property managers (PMs), Digital Connectivity Rating Agencies (DCRAs), and consumers will be linked through a single digital platform. The aim is to make the rating process more organized and transparent.
Registered DCRA agencies will be able to view applications received for rating via the platform. Subsequently, they will complete the rating process in accordance with prescribed guidelines by inspecting the property, conducting tests, and managing the necessary documentation.
TRAI registered the first eight DCRA agencies in 2025. These agencies were entrusted with the responsibility of rating properties by assessing digital connectivity according to the prescribed methodology.
**On-site connectivity checks via mobile app**
TRAI has also provided a DCRA mobile app for field assessments. Authorized agencies will be able to use this app to test digital connectivity inside buildings following the prescribed testing procedures.
During the inspection, connectivity-related measurements and data can be uploaded directly into the system. Subsequently, property details obtained via the web portal and assessment data gathered through the mobile app will be integrated onto a single platform.
**Easier record-keeping and monitoring**
According to TRAI, integrating data from the web portal and mobile app will facilitate better management and monitoring of digital connectivity records. This means that information regarding property ratings, as well as inspection and testing data, can be maintained within an organized digital system.
Disclaimer: This content has been sourced and edited from Amar Ujala. While we modified it for clarity and presentation, the original content belongs to its respective authors and website. We do not claim ownership of the content.
