Check mobile signal and internet speed before buying a new home; TRAI launches new DCR platform

TRAI has launched the Digital Connectivity Rating (DCR) platform and app. Now, before buying or renting a property, you can easily check indoor mobile network quality and speed by looking at a 1-to-5-star rating.

When buying, selling, or renting a new home or office, we often focus on location, area, ventilation, and parking facilities but overlook checking mobile network and internet connectivity. Consequently, after moving in, one often faces issues like call drops and slow data speeds inside elevators, basements, or the flat itself. To address this problem, the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) has launched the Digital Connectivity Rating (DCR) platform and a dedicated mobile app. With this new initiative, citizens will be able to assess the digital connectivity status of a property before finalizing the deal.

What is TRAI’s Digital Connectivity Rating (DCR) platform?

TRAI’s Digital Connectivity Rating system is a standardized framework for evaluating the mobile network and internet capabilities of buildings and properties. The system assigns a rating of 1 to 5 stars based on the quality of a building’s digital infrastructure.

This rating applies to residential complexes, commercial complexes, government offices, and public buildings. It enables prospective buyers and tenants to obtain accurate information about a property’s actual digital connectivity standards without relying solely on the verbal claims of builders or landlords.

Check certificates and ratings from home by scanning the QR code

TRAI’s new web portal features a public search facility where anyone can view the network rating of a registered property or location by entering its name. Once the rating process is complete, the system issues a digitally signed certificate featuring a printed QR code. Users can scan this to directly verify the authenticity of the rating. This transparency will curb false claims made by builders regarding connectivity and boost digital infrastructure within the real estate market.

Dedicated mobile app to assess indoor networks

It is common for mobile signals to drop in high-rise buildings, elevators, and underground basements (parking areas). To address this challenge, TRAI has introduced a specialized mobile application.

Registered Digital Connectivity Rating Agencies (DCRAs) will use this app. Authorized representatives will visit the site to accurately test mobile signal strength, call quality, and data speeds in every corner of the building; these readings will be recorded directly onto a central platform.

What are the four key parameters for determining the rating?

TRAI has established four key criteria for assigning a 1-to-5-star rating to any building:

• Fiber-optic readiness: Whether the building has the infrastructure (optical fiber cables) for high-speed broadband connections.
• Mobile network availability: The availability and coverage levels of 4G and 5G network signals from various telecom operators within the building.
• In-Building Solutions (IBS): Whether boosters, small cells, or antennas have been installed to enhance indoor signal quality.
• Wi-Fi infrastructure: The equipment and setup required to provide public or shared Wi-Fi coverage across the premises.

Major benefits for property buyers and tenants

This platform could bring about a significant shift in real estate development. When buying or renting a home, ‘digital connectivity’ will now become a key deciding factor, alongside electricity, water supply, and location.

Instead of struggling with poor signals after moving in, people will be able to check a property’s rating score beforehand. This will also encourage real estate developers and builders to establish better digital connectivity infrastructure during the construction phase of projects.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Will TRAI’s DCR system apply to under-construction buildings as well?

Yes, this platform covers both completed and under-construction residential, commercial, and government buildings.

How can general consumers verify a building’s rating?

Consumers can visit TRAI’s DCR portal (dcrp.trai.gov.in) to search for the property name or scan the QR code on the digital certificate to check the rating.

What is an In-Building Solution (IBS) for improving signals inside buildings?

IBS is a technical system that improves mobile signal coverage inside elevators, basements, or multi-story buildings by installing network boosters, small antennas, and cables.