TRAI releases draft manual on rating of properties, seeks stakeholder views
According to the telecom regulator, the rating manual will enable the Digital Connectivity Rating Agencies (DCRAS) to adopt a uniform assessment methodology for rating properties.
It will also provide a standard reference for Property Managers (PMs) when creating Digital Connectivity Infrastructure (DCI) in their properties.
The full text of the draft manual is available on TRAI's website.
Digital connectivity is vital to the way we live and work.
The exponential growth in digitalisation during the last decade has revolutionised the world, impacting everything from the economy, innovation, science, and education to health, sustainability, governance, and lifestyle.
Citing unnamed reports, TRAI said maximum data consumption happens inside buildings. Therefore, digital connectivity has become crucial in buildings, especially for 4G and 5G networks, which use high-frequency bands to deliver high-speed data rates. Still, they get attenuated due to walls and building materials.
In major step to address issues of digital connectivity inside buildings, the telecom regulator has submitted recommendations to the Government on 'Rating of Buildings or Areas for Digital Connectivity' on February 20, 2023.
TRAI said the recommendations aim to create an ecosystem for co-creating Digital Connectivity Infrastructure (DCI) as part of any development activity.
Further to the above recommendations, TRAI also released the regulation 'Rating of Properties for Digital Connectivity Regulations, 2024' on October 25, 2024, to introduce a framework for rating properties for digital connectivity and promote the creation of good digital connectivity through a collaborative and self-sustainable approach.
With these latest recommendations, a property with better ratings will attract more users, buyers, or investors and thereby add value to it.
TRAI proposed that the properties be evaluated based on defined parameters in the regulation, such as fiber readiness, mobile network availability, in-building solutions, Wi-Fi infrastructure, service performance, etc.
'The rating manual will serve as a structured framework designed to ensure a fair, transparent, and standardised approach to assessing digital connectivity under the provisions of the regulation,' TRAI said.
'A structured rating system enables prospective tenants and buyers to compare properties based on their connectivity rating, ensuring they choose locations with the best digital infrastructure,' TRAI added.
The stakeholders are invited to submit their comments and feedback, by June 2, 2025, at the latest, and counter comments by June 9, 2025. (ANI)
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
India.com
11 minutes ago
- India.com
UK and India Forge Future: Landmark FTA Promises Cheaper Goods, More Jobs, and Green Growth
Prime Minister Narendra Modi shakes hands with Prime Minister of the United Kingdom, Keir Starmer during a bilateral meeting, in London on Thursday. Union Minister of Commerce and Industry Piyush Goyal also present. (ANI Photo) India and the UK officially signed a major free trade agreement on Thursday, 24th July. Prime Minister Narendra Modi and UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer were present at the signing ceremony during Modi's visit to Britain. This deal, which was first approved in May, is now fully confirmed. The main goal of this agreement is to double trade between the two countries to $120 billion (around ₹10 lakh crore) by 2030. It is expected to boost businesses and create new jobs in both nations. Implementation Timeline and Approval Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal and UK Trade Minister Jonathan Reynolds formally signed the agreement. However, the deal still needs approval from the British Parliament before it can take effect. This process is expected to take about one year. After the signing, Minister Goyal posted on social media: ' Congratulations to Prime Minister @NarendraModi ji, UK Prime Minister @Keir_Starmer, and the people of India and the UK on signing this important India-UK trade agreement.' How the Deal Helps Factories and Industries The agreement will cut import taxes (also known as tariffs), making it cheaper for both countries to buy and sell goods. This benefits key industries like automobiles, aerospace, and machinery. Car Industry: Import taxes that were once as high as 110% will now drop to 10% (within specific limits), making British cars more affordable in India. Import taxes that were once as high as 110% will now drop to 10% (within specific limits), making British cars more affordable in India. Aerospace: Companies that build aircraft or parts will no longer pay the earlier 11% import duty. It has been cut to zero , making trade much easier. Companies that build aircraft or parts will no longer pay the earlier 11% import duty. It has been cut to , making trade much easier. Electrical Machinery: Tariffs on machines like motors and generators will be reduced from 22% to either zero or 50%, depending on the item. This will help businesses lower costs, trade more freely, and offer better prices to consumers. Boost for Clean Energy Projects The deal opens up India's large government market for UK clean energy companies. As India shifts towards renewable energy—like solar and wind—to meet growing electricity needs, British firms will now be able to offer their services and invest more easily. This helps the UK support India's green energy journey and promotes clean power in both countries. Technology Companies Bringing Jobs and Investment Several Indian technology companies are investing in the UK as part of the new trade partnership. Two key examples include: Zerowatt Energy: Based in Trivandrum, this company uses AI to improve energy use. It is setting up its global headquarters in Leicester, investing £10 million (around ₹105 crore) and creating 50 jobs across Leicester, Manchester, Edinburgh, and London over the next three years. Based in Trivandrum, this company uses AI to improve energy use. It is setting up its global headquarters in Leicester, investing (around ₹105 crore) and creating 50 jobs across Leicester, Manchester, Edinburgh, and London over the next three years. DCube AI: Also from Trivandrum, this AI and data services company is investing £5 million (around ₹52 crore) in its UK operations and will create 50 jobs in Manchester and London. As reported by Ackodrive media, these investments will boost the tech sector and generate more employment in both countries. Aerospace Deals Worth £5 Billion (About ₹52,500 Crore) Twenty-six UK companies have landed new business opportunities in India. A major highlight is that Airbus will begin delivering aircraft to Indian airlines, with over half of them powered by Rolls-Royce engines. These deals are valued at £5 billion (about ₹52,500 crore) and will support hundreds of jobs in UK cities like Filton, Broughton, and Derby. It's a major win for the aerospace sector in both countries. UK Financial Companies to Get Equal Access in India The agreement allows UK banks, insurance companies, and other financial service providers to operate more freely in India's growing economy. It also ensures that UK companies—especially in the insurance sector—will receive the same treatment as Indian firms. This builds trust and encourages more investment from the UK into India's financial markets. Cheaper British Goods Coming to India The trade deal reduces taxes on many British products sold in India, making them more affordable for Indian consumers. Whisky and gin: Import duties will be cut from 150% to 75%, and later to 40% over the next 10 years. Import duties will be cut from 150% to 75%, and later to 40% over the next 10 years. Cars: Taxes on UK-made cars will fall from over 100% to just 10%, but within set limits. Indian shoppers will also see lower prices on goods like perfumes, chocolates, biscuits, soft drinks, medical devices, salmon, and beauty products. Big Boost for Indian Industries That Create Jobs The deal supports Indian sectors that employ large numbers of people, such as: Textiles and clothing Seafood and marine products Leather goods and footwear Sports goods and toys Jewellery and gems Auto parts and engineering products Organic chemicals 99% of Indian exports will get duty-free access to UK markets. Tariffs will also be reduced on labour-heavy goods like leather, shoes, and garments. This will help Indian products become more competitive in the UK and create more jobs back home. Trade Between India and the UK Is Growing Recent data shows a steady rise in trade between the two nations: India's exports to the UK in 2024–25 rose by 12.6%, reaching $14.5 billion (about ₹1.2 lakh crore). in 2024–25 rose by 12.6%, reaching (about ₹1.2 lakh crore). Imports from the UK grew by 2.3% to $8.6 billion (around ₹71,500 crore). Overall, total trade between the two countries increased to $21.34 billion (around ₹1.8 lakh crore) in 2023–24—up from $20.36 billion (around ₹1.7 lakh crore) in 2022–23. This shows a strong and growing economic relationship. What's Included in the India-UK Trade Deal The Free Trade Agreement covers many important areas, including: Goods trade (like clothing, cars, machines) (like clothing, cars, machines) Services (such as banking, tourism, and IT) (such as banking, tourism, and IT) Technology and innovation Government purchases Protection of ideas and inventions (intellectual property) The deal removes or reduces taxes on most traded items and makes rules easier so that companies can provide services and invest across borders more smoothly. (The author, Girish Linganna is an award-winning science communicator and a Defence, Aerospace & Geopolitical Analyst. He is also the Managing Director of ADD Engineering Components India Pvt. Ltd., a subsidiary of ADD Engineering GmbH, Germany. Contact: girishlinganna@
Time of India
41 minutes ago
- Time of India
Renewable energy drive hits milestone, solar powers nearly a quarter of Installed capacity
New Delhi: India's transition to renewable energy has crossed a significant milestone, with solar energy alone now accounting for nearly 24 per cent of the country's total installed power capacity. This was revealed during the Mercom Renewables Summit 2025 held on Thursday, where key stakeholders and industry leaders gathered to assess the progress and future roadmap of India's green energy mission. According to data presented by Mercom India Research, as of March 2025, India's cumulative installed large-scale solar capacity has reached 89.7 GW. Among the states leading this transformation are Rajasthan, Gujarat, and Karnataka, each with over 10,000 MW of installed solar capacity. The summit's keynote presentation showcased a paradigm shift in India's energy mix over the last decade. From 2010 to 2025, the share of new capacity additions from coal has steadily declined, while solar has emerged as the dominant source of new energy capacity. As of Q1 2025, renewable energy sources (including large hydro) account for 48.4 per cent of India's total installed power capacity. Solar power alone contributes 23.9 per cent, followed by wind at 10.6 per cent, large hydro at 10.2 per cent, and other sources, including biomass and small hydro. "This shift highlights India's commitment to clean energy, driven by ambitious policy frameworks, falling technology costs, and a growing appetite for climate action," said Raj Prabhu, Founder &CEO, Mercom Capital Group. "With global climate commitments looming, India's renewable energy journey is seen as critical not only for its own future but for global climate goals," Raj Prabhu told ANI. The summit also highlighted India's diversified approach to energy transition, incorporating wind, hydropower, and waste-to-energy alongside solar. However, coal continues to hold a significant portion of the energy mix, suggesting a need for more aggressive phasing down of fossil fuels. The event underscored the urgent need for continued investments, grid upgrades, and policy innovations to sustain the momentum. With global climate commitments looming, India's renewable energy journey is seen as critical not only for its own future but for global climate goals. (ANI) .
News18
an hour ago
- News18
‘Don't Worry, Use English': PM Modi Smiles As Translator Struggles With Hindi At UK Presser
Last Updated: PM Modi and UK PM Starmer shared a light moment with a translator at a press conference after signing the India-UK Free Trade Agreement, set to boost bilateral trade. Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his British counterpart Keir Starmer on Thursday shared a candid moment with a translator when she seemingly struggled to translate a sentence from English to Hindi. The incident took place when Starmer was addressing a joint press conference after signing the landmark India-UK Free Trade Agreement (FTA) at Chequers. As he was speaking, the translator following the speech began to fumble. Amid this, PM Modi lightened the mood by reassuring the struggling Hindi translator mid‑session. Commenting on the translator's falter, he quipped, 'Don't bother, we can use English words in between. Don't worry about it." To this, the translator is heard apologising to him. 'Sorry His Excellency… I've lost the speech," she confessed. 'Yeah… no problem," PM Modi said and Starmer offered to repeat himself. His relaxed tone echoed over the microphone and signalled camaraderie between the two leaders. The UK Prime Minister then rescued the translator by saying that PM Modi and he understand each other well enough to move past. 'I think we understand each other well…" he smiled. A video of the candid moment shared by news agency ANI has garnered widespread attention from netizens. India-UK FTA Earlier today, PM Modi, who is on a two-day visit to UK, hailed the signing of the India-UK Free Trade Agreement (FTA), saying that it is a historic day in the bilateral relationship of both the countries. While addressing the joint presser, PM Modi said that a comprehensive economic trade agreement has been completed today and Indian textile, footwear, gems, jewellery, seafood will get better access in UK market. 'Today marks a historic day in our relations. I am delighted that after the hard work of several years, today our two nations have signed the Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement," he said as quoted by news agency ANI. While hailing the agreement, PM Modi further emphasised on the creation of new job opportunities saying that this agreement will especially benefit Indian youth, farmers, fishermen and MSME sector. 'This Agreement is not just an economic agreement but also the plan for a shared prosperity. On one side, Indian textile, footwear, gems and jewellery, seafood and engineering goods will get better market access in the UK. On the other hand, for the people of India and industry, products made in UK like medical devices will be available at reasonable and affordable prices," he added. New Delhi and London inked a major agreement in the presence of Union Minister of Commerce and Industry Piyush Goyal and UK Secretary of State for Business and Trade Jonathan Reynolds. The deal will significantly improve market access and will boost bilateral trade by around $34 billion annually. The FTA is projected to double bilateral trade by 2030, from the current $60 billion mark. PTI. The trade deal, firmed up after three years of negotiations, is expected to ensure comprehensive market access for Indian goods across all sectors and India will gain from tariff elimination on about 99% of tariff lines (product categories) covering almost 100% of the trade values. (With inputs from agencies) About the Author Shobhit Gupta Shobhit Gupta is a sub-editor at and covers India and International news. He is interested in day to day political affairs in India and geopolitics. He earned his BA Journalism (Hons) degree from More Get breaking news, in-depth analysis, and expert perspectives on everything from politics to crime and society. Stay informed with the latest India news only on News18. Download the News18 App to stay updated! view comments First Published: Disclaimer: Comments reflect users' views, not News18's. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.
