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Trai releases recommendations on ‘Rating of Buildings or Areas for Digital Connectivity’
Mumbai: The Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (Trai) has released its recommendations on ‘Rating of Buildings or Areas for Digital Connectivity’.
The release by Trai said , “In the past, Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (Trai) and the Government have taken various policy initiatives to fulfil the demands of telecom connectivity. These policy interventions have helped in improving connectivity, resulting in wider coverage and higher data throughput. However, all these efforts have fallen short in achieving the desired level of digital connectivity experience of the users, who now prefer to work from anywhere, at any time.”
It further added, “ The rollout of the 5G network has further stimulated the need for seamless experience of the 5G services, specifically inside the buildings.”
Trai has conducted many studies to assess the quality of connectivity, identify challenges in providing connectivity and to suggest the way forward.
Based on these studies Trai published a monograph on “Quest for a Good Quality Network inside Multi-Storey Residential Apartments: Reimagining ways to improve quality’.
Trai undertook the process of consultation on a Suomoto basis to provide a framework for the establishment of an eco-system wherein Digital Connectivity Infrastructure becomes part of all development activities.
Trai issued Consultation Paper (CP) on “Rating of Buildings or Areas for Digital Connectivity’ on 25 March 2022, to seek stakeholders’ input on issues raised, by 07 July 2022.
Based on the comments received, discussions held with stakeholders during the Open House Discussion and analysis thereof, the recommendations of the Trai on “Rating of Buildings or Areas for Digital Connectivity’ have been finalised.
The emphasis of these recommendations is on providing a framework for the creation of an ecosystem for Digital Connectivity Infrastructure (DCI) to be an intrinsic part of building development plan similar to other building services such as water, electricity or Fire Safety System.
“DCI is to be co-designed and co-created with building development through collaborations among various stakeholders, including property managers (owner or developer or builder etc.), service providers, infrastructure providers, DCI professionals, and authorities at various urban/ local bodies. This framework shall also open job opportunities for the young professionals to become DCI Professionals and be part of design, deployment and evaluation of digital connectivity infrastructure.” Trai said in the release.
Trai has also proposed a new chapter on ‘Digital Connectivity Infrastructures in Buildings’ to be included in Model Building Bye Laws 2016 by modifying and updating existing provisions added in MBBL as an annexure through an Addendum to Model Building Bye Laws 2016 titled “Provisions for In- Building Solutions Digital Communication Infrastructure” issued by Town and Country Planning Organisation (TCPO) of Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs (MoHUA), in March 2022.
Trai further emphasised that Digital Connectivity Infrastructure (DCI) developed in the buildings by the property managers (developers, builders etc) should be accessible to all service providers on a fair, transparent, nondiscriminatory and non-chargeable basis. 9. The recommendations also include development of a framework for Rating of the buildings for digital connectivity, which will add value to the property. Trai will come up, separately, with appropriate regulatory framework for Rating of Buildings, which will also include the issue of Rating certification.
NEW DELHI: Hamdard Laboratories gathered a cross-section of India’s achievers in New Delhi on Friday, handing out the Hakeem Abdul Hameed Excellence Awards to figures who have left their mark across healthcare, education, sport, public service and the arts.
The ceremony, attended by minister of state for defence Sanjay Seth and senior officials from the ministry of Ayush, celebrated individuals whose work blends professional success with a sense of public purpose. It was as much a roll call of achievement as it was a reminder that influence is not measured only in profits or podiums, but in people reached and lives improved.
Among the headline awardees was Alakh Pandey, founder and chief executive of PhysicsWallah, recognised for turning affordable digital learning into a mass movement. On the sporting front, Arjuna Awardee and kabaddi player Sakshi Puniya was honoured for her contribution to the game and for pushing women’s participation onto bigger stages.
The cultural spotlight fell on veteran lyricist and poet Santosh Anand, whose songs have echoed across generations of Hindi cinema. At 97, Anand accepted the honour with characteristic humility, reflecting on a life shaped by perseverance and hope.
Healthcare honours spanned both modern and traditional systems. Manoj N. Nesari was recognised for strengthening Ayurveda’s place in national and global health frameworks. Padma shri Mohammed Abdul Waheed was honoured for his research-backed work in Unani medicine, while padma shri Mohsin Wali received recognition for his long-standing contribution to patient-centred care.
Education and social development also featured prominently. Padma shri Zahir Ishaq Kazi was honoured for decades of work in education, while former Meghalaya superintendent of Police T. C. Chacko was recognised for public service. Goonj founder Anshu Gupta received an award for his dignity-centred rural development initiatives, and the Hunar Shakti Foundation was honoured for empowering women and young girls through skill development.
The Lifetime Achievement Award went to former IAS officer Shailaja Chandra for her long career in public healthcare and governance, particularly in the traditional systems under Ayush.
Speaking at the event, Hamdard chairman Abdul Majeed said the awards were a tribute to those who combine excellence with empathy. “These awardees reflect Hakeem Sahib’s belief that healthcare, education and public service must ultimately serve humanity,” he said.
Minister Seth struck a forward-looking note, saying India’s young population gives the country a unique opportunity to become a global destination for learning, health and wellness by 2047.
The ceremony also featured the trailer launch of Unani Ki Kahaani, an upcoming documentary starring actor Jim Sarbh, set to premiere on Discovery on 11 February.
Instituted in memory of Unani scholar and educationist Hakeem Abdul Hameed, the awards have grown into a national platform that celebrates those building a more inclusive and resilient India. For one evening at least, the spotlight was not just on success, but on service with substance.
