Bridging the Indoor Connectivity Gap: Challenges and Solutions

Consumers are struggling with indoor connectivity despite growing mobile data usage, prompting the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (Trai) to urge developers to incorporate connectivity infrastructure in buildings. Trai's new regulatory framework rates properties on digital connectivity, aiming to enhance indoor network experiences amid rising demands.

Consumers are increasingly encountering indoor connectivity issues as the consumption and speed of mobile data usage surge. This underscores the necessity for developers and building owners to include connectivity infrastructure in construction plans, a sentiment echoed by Trai's top official at the COAI Digicom Summit 2026.

Trai Chairman AK Lahoti highlighted that existing mobile networks may struggle to cope with the data explosion spurred by AI, emphasizing the regulatory body's support for expanding fixed broadband networks. The emergence of connectivity challenges with mid-band frequencies in 5G services further complicates the indoor experience.

Lahoti revealed that Trai has established a regulatory framework for property ratings based on digital connectivity quality, accepted by the government, which should be integrated into building designs. Additionally, Trai suggests enhancing spectrum availability to help telecom operators, including auctioning new frequency bands.