• Connectivity Ratings Aim to Strengthen Consumer Choice in Telecom Sector

The Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) on Friday launched the Digital Connectivity Rating (DCR) Platform, aimed at giving consumers credible and comparable information about digital connectivity in residential and commercial properties.

The platform provides a public interface where consumers can search for properties that have been rated for digital connectivity. They can look up a property using its name, certificate ID or location and access its digitally signed rating certificate.

The authenticity of the certificate can also be verified through a QR code provided on it, making digital connectivity a visible and verifiable feature of a property.

TRAI Chairman Anil Kumar Lahoti said the platform would help consumers make more informed decisions when choosing homes and offices with reliable connectivity for activities such as calls, downloads and access to online services.

According to the Ministry of Communications, the platform could allow consumers to assess a property’s connectivity before making a purchase or lease decision. It also seeks to highlight the value of digital connectivity infrastructure incorporated into buildings.

The platform brings property managers, registered Digital Connectivity Rating Agencies (DCRAs) and consumers together through a common digital interface.

Registered DCRAs will be able to access assigned applications, conduct assessments, record observations and test results, upload supporting documents and complete the rating process according to the prescribed framework.

TRAI has also launched a dedicated mobile application to support field assessments. Authorised DCRAs can use the app to conduct in-building digital connectivity measurements in accordance with the prescribed testing methodology.

Information submitted by property managers through the web portal and assessment data collected through the mobile application will be synchronised on the platform.

The initiative is expected to make digital connectivity an additional, measurable attribute of properties and encourage property managers to incorporate connectivity infrastructure at an appropriate stage of building development.