How TRAI’s framework Is shaping 5G-ready buildings and in-building connectivity in India
By Sanjeev Goel, Chief Business Officer, Shaurrya Teleservices
As India moves further into the 5G era, the success of digital transformation is increasingly being determined by what is happening within buildings. Housing societies, IT parks, hospitals, airports, and business districts have become the new hotspots of data consumption. It is in these spaces that people work, socialize, and consume services, and also rely on digital platforms for their daily activities. The task of ensuring seamless connectivity in these spaces is not just a technological issue.
On the occasion of the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India’s Foundation Day, it is worth recognising how TRAI’s regulatory approach has helped shape the foundations of in-building digital infrastructure in the country. Over the years, its consultative and forward-looking policies have created the conditions for more structured, shared, and performance-driven connectivity inside buildings, an area that is becoming central to India’s digital economy.
Enabling Neutral Host and Shared Infrastructure
With its strong focus on infrastructure sharing and non-discriminatory access, TRAI has facilitated the development of neutral host networks and in-building solutions. This has also led to a decrease in the duplication of telecom infrastructure and has made multi-operator integration in a single premises more desirable.
This is especially important in a densely populated area where microcells, distributed antenna systems, and fiber backhaul need to work in harmony. This will ensure that development is sustainable and investment is feasible in the long run.
Moving from Coverage to Measurable Quality
The emphasis on Quality of Service by TRAI has brought about a gradual shift in the industry’s perspective from coverage to quality. This has led to the development of telecom systems at the design level, including fiber routes, telecom risers, and indoor densification.
Connectivity is increasingly being viewed as infrastructure, and not an afterthought in building design.
DCRA: Institutionalising Digital Readiness
The Introduction of the Digital Connectivity Rating of Areas framework is a testament to the forward-thinking nature of TRAI’s approach to digital infrastructure in urban areas. DCRA brings a level of accountability and transparency to the planning process through the use of measurable benchmarks for digital readiness.
Fibre readiness, scalability for 5G densification, and multi-operator accessibility are no longer nice-to-haves. They are increasingly becoming the measure of competitiveness and quality of assets in urban areas.
A Stable Regulatory Backbone for Long-Term Investment
Telecom infrastructure is capital-intensive. The consultative approach and regulatory stability of TRAI have been instrumental in instilling confidence in investors and removing uncertainties associated with infrastructure development.
Regulatory stability has enabled infrastructure participants to pledge support for long-term investments in in-building solutions, fiber backbones, and 5G-ready microcell solutions. Such investments are critical to the development of the growing digital economy in India.
A Foundation Worth Recognising
As India progresses with the development of smart cities and digitally integrated businesses, the need for a robust in-building connectivity solution is set to become even more important. The regulatory framework established by TRAI in terms of infrastructure sharing tenets, Quality of Service regulations, and the DCRA framework has ensured that this development is done in a structured, scalable, and sustainable manner.