Most of India’s Mobile Data Usage Happens Indoors: TRAI Chief

Swift Summary:

• TRAI Initiative: Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) is addressing indoor mobile connectivity issues by launching a star-rating system for buildings based on their digital readiness.
• Indoor Data Use: Approximately 70-80% of India’s mobile data is consumed indoors, but coverage gaps persist in many premises.
• Digital Infrastructure Planning: TRAI emphasizes the need for integrating Digital Connectivity Infrastructure (DCI) – including fibre entry, rooftop access, ducting, and Wi-Fi setups – into core planning alongside utilities like electricity and water.
• Star-Rating System Details:

– Regulations introduced under “Rating of Properties for Digital Connectivity Regulations, 2024.”
– Assessment manual released in August 2025.
– Eight registered Digital Connectivity rating Agencies (DCRAs). More applications are under review to operationalize the framework.

• Cross-Sector Forum Highlights:

– Discussions involved members from regulatory bodies such as IBBI, CERC, PNGRB, CCI among others at an online forum organized by TRAI and forum of Indian Regulators (FoIR).
– Ravi Mital from FoIR stressed the importance of cross-sector collaboration to embed digital readiness into governance frameworks across housing, healthcare education etc.

Indian Opinion Analysis:

The TRAI’s initiative to implement a detailed star-rating system could play a pivotal role in mainstreaming digital infrastructure planning across India’s urban development. Given that most data consumption occurs indoors-combined with expanded adoption of advanced technologies like 5G-the focus on indoor connectivity addresses a critical usage gap. Integrating DCI within real estate and urban planning frameworks aligns with national priorities such as Smart cities Mission and Digital India.Moreover, collaboration across regulatory sectors represents progress towards an interconnected approach.While voluntary adoption may limit immediate impact, greater awareness backed by incentives or stakeholder buy-in could accelerate the initiative’s success over time. cross-sectoral discussions being flagged as integral further highlight its potential significance beyond telecoms.

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