70-80% of Indias mobile data consumed indoors: TRAI chief

In a recent statement, Anil Kumar Lahoti, Chairperson of the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI), revealed that a staggering 70 to 80 percent of mobile data usage in India occurs indoors. Despite this, he noted that many indoor locations still suffer from significant coverage gaps. As India progresses towards adopting advanced technologies like 5G, Lahoti emphasized the necessity for strategic planning in Digital Connectivity Infrastructure (DCI). This planning should encompass essential components such as fibre entry, ducting, cable trays, rooftop access, and Wi-Fi preparedness, all of which are critical for ensuring robust indoor connectivity. He likened this infrastructure planning to foundational services like electricity and water supply. During an online interactive session focused on the Framework for Rating of Properties on Digital Connectivity, organized in collaboration with The Forum of Indian Regulators (FoIR), Lahoti shared that TRAI has introduced a voluntary star-rating system intended to assess properties' digital connectivity. The guidelines for this system were detailed in the Manual for Assessment of Digital Connectivity, released on August 13, 2025. Lahoti also highlighted that TRAI has registered eight Digital Connectivity Rating Agencies (DCRAs) to implement this new framework, with additional applications currently under review. The session saw participation from various regulatory bodies, including the Insolvency and Bankruptcy Board of India (IBBI), the Central Electricity Regulatory Commission (CERC), and the Competition Commission of India (CCI), among others. Ravi Mital, the Honorary Chairperson of FoIR and Chairman of IBBI, underscored the critical need for strong digital connectivity across various sectors such as finance, education, and healthcare. He praised TRAI for advancing the Rating of Properties for Digital Connectivity Regulations and stressed the importance of collaboration among regulators to integrate digital connectivity into planning and governance. This initiative is part of TRAI's ongoing efforts to engage with stakeholders and promote the adoption of its digital connectivity rating framework, aligning with national objectives like Digital India and the Smart Cities Mission.