The Telecom Regulatory Authority of India has issued the amended Rating Manual 2026 for the assessment of digital connectivity under the amended Rating of Properties for Digital Connectivity Regulations, 2024, with immediate effect.

The updated manual incorporates changes introduced through the Rating of Properties for Digital Connectivity (Amendment) Regulations, 2026, notified in May 2026. The revisions are aimed at enhancing clarity, standardization and flexibility in the assessment of digital connectivity infrastructure within buildings and other properties.

Among the key changes, TRAI has introduced a structured multi-stage assessment and certification framework for under-construction properties, along with an optional digital connectivity audit mechanism to help property owners evaluate and improve connectivity infrastructure.

The amended manual also provides greater flexibility in assessing power infrastructure while maintaining reliability standards, broadens the monitoring framework to include centralized systems beyond traditional Building Management Systems (BMS), and adopts a technology-neutral approach by allowing both fibre and wireless backhaul solutions.

In addition, TRAI has standardized service performance assessments through a designated testing application, introduced a defined sampling methodology for evaluating non-public areas, and aligned the framework with the latest National Building Construction Standards (NBCS), 2026.

The regulator stated that the revised manual is intended to support a transparent, consistent and efficient framework for assessing digital connectivity in properties, thereby improving the quality of indoor telecom services and digital infrastructure across the country.