Telecom Regulatory Authority of India has released the “Rating of Properties for Digital Connectivity (Amendment) Regulations, 2026”, introducing several changes aimed at improving digital connectivity standards in residential and commercial properties across the country.
The amended regulations came into effect from May 13, 2026. TRAI said the changes were introduced after consultations with stakeholders including property managers, digital connectivity rating agencies, telecom service providers and infrastructure companies.
One of the key changes is the introduction of additional half-star rating levels, expanding the rating scale from five to nine levels. TRAI said this would help better differentiate properties based on digital connectivity infrastructure and service quality.
The revised rules also allow under-construction properties to apply for digital connectivity ratings. Under the new framework, Digital Connectivity Rating Agencies (DCRAs) can assess properties during the design stage and issue “Designed For” certificates. Final ratings will be awarded after construction and telecom services become operational.
TRAI has also introduced an optional digital connectivity audit for existing buildings. Property managers can now evaluate the current status of telecom infrastructure and identify areas for improvement before formally applying for ratings.
The regulator further strengthened the code of conduct for DCRAs to improve transparency and independence in assessments. It clarified that agencies involved in providing digital connectivity infrastructure cannot assess projects where they themselves have supplied the infrastructure.
In addition, references to the older National Building Code 2016 have been replaced with the updated National Building Construction Standards (NBCS), 2026.
According to TRAI, the amendments are intended to promote future-ready, transparent and non-discriminatory digital connectivity infrastructure in buildings while improving implementation of the digital connectivity rating framework.
#TRAI releases the Rating of Properties for Digital Connectivity (Amendment) Regulations, 2026
Key updates:
– New half-star rating levels
– Ratings for under-construction properties
– Optional Digital Connectivity Audit
– Stronger transparency norms for DCRAs pic.twitter.com/MpClER8DVM— TRAI (@TRAI) May 14, 2026
