2 hrs ago

TRAI Wants Buildings to Plan for Mobile Connectivity

Mobile phone signals can be weak inside large buildings.

Walls and concrete can make it harder for signals to reach people indoors.

TRAI wants builders to think about phone coverage while planning a building.

Small antennas inside a building can help spread the signal around.

TRAI also has a rating system to show how well a building supports digital connectivity.

Buildings can be assessed while they are planned, built or finished.

Owners of existing buildings can check their systems and find ways to improve them.

TRAI says more people need to learn about these options.

Key facts

Regulator: Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI)
Chairman quoted: Anil Kumar Lahoti
Connectivity issue: Mobile signals can weaken indoors, especially in large or multi-storey buildings.
Recommended approach: Include provisions for in-building systems in building design and construction standards.
Rating framework: Allows half-star ratings and assessments at planning, construction and final commissioning stages.
Existing buildings: Owners can use an audit process to identify connectivity gaps and improvements without seeking a formal rating.
Adoption challenge: TRAI says limited awareness among stakeholders is holding back wider adoption.

CNBC TV 18 · 2 hrs ago