You can now check internet speed before buying a property:TRAI launches ‘Digital Connectivity Rating platform,’ know what factors decide the DCR rating

Buying or renting a new home or office is not just about location, size, and amenities. Poor mobile signals, slow internet, or frequent call drops can make even a good property difficult to use. To help people check digital connectivity before making such decisions, the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) has launched a new Digital Connectivity Rating (DCR) platform and mobile app. The platform will provide connectivity ratings for buildings and allow users to check the quality of digital infrastructure at a property. Here are the key details. What is TRAI’s Digital Connectivity Rating? The Digital Connectivity Rating (DCR) is a system that shows how well a building is equipped for mobile and internet connectivity.
It will give buildings a rating of 1 to 5 stars based on their digital infrastructure. This can help prospective buyers, tenants, and other users understand the connectivity available at a property before making a decision. Check a property’s connectivity online TRAI’s platform includes a public search facility where users can look up a property or location by its name. The platform will show the property’s connectivity rating and other relevant details. Users can also scan a QR code and check the digital certificate to verify the rating. This means people can get information about a property’s digital connectivity without having to rely only on claims made by property owners or developers. Mobile app will test connectivity inside buildings TRAI has also introduced a dedicated mobile app for conducting connectivity tests inside buildings. Authorised digital connectivity rating agencies can use the app to test mobile network strength and internet speeds at different locations inside a property. This is particularly useful in places where signals are often weak, such as basements, lifts and large multi-storey buildings. What factors decide the DCR rating? A property’s DCR rating will be based on four major areas: Based on these factors, a building can receive a rating from 1 to 5 stars. One platform for property managers and agencies TRAI says the DCR platform brings property managers, registered digital connectivity rating agencies and customers together on a single interface. Property managers can register their buildings and follow the progress of their rating applications. The system covers government, commercial, public and private buildings, including both completed and under-construction properties. What is an In-Building Solution (IBS)? Mobile signals can become weak inside large buildings, especially in basements, lifts and multi-storey structures. An In-Building Solution (IBS) is a system designed to improve mobile coverage in such areas. It typically uses small antennas, cables and other equipment installed inside a building to distribute mobile signals more effectively. The DCR system will consider whether such infrastructure is available when assessing a property’s connectivity. How can the DCR platform help property buyers and tenants? The new system could make digital connectivity another factor people consider while choosing a home, office or commercial property. Instead of discovering poor network coverage or slow internet after moving in, users can check the property’s connectivity rating beforehand. It may also encourage builders and developers to include better digital infrastructure while planning and constructing buildings.